What anime are you watching?

[Mullet Death]

About to start up DBZ in the original audio for the first time. Other than the fact that Kakarot still sounds like a kid I like everything about the original audio.

[MangaRocks!]

Steins;Gate: Fuka Ryouiki no Déjà vu movie (sub):

The Steins;Gate series is one of my all-time top favorite anime (and I'm currently eagerly awaiting my preorder of the original VN, as well); so, as you can imagine, I've been very much looking forward to seeing this post-True-Ending sequel movie ever since it was announced (...I mean, so long as it ended well, of course ). And yes, I quite enjoyed it.

Now, I won't bother giving a synopsis since it can be easily found at MAL/etc., but suffice it to say that this had pretty much everything I wanted in it-- lots of humorous interactions in the beginning, time-travel + resultant dilemmas, good drama (which was actually a bit more internal this time due to its particular focus), and some nice romance as well. Also, interestingly enough, this movie finally explained what the "Reading Steiner" actually was (which made perfect sense, BTW), so I loved that, too. And as for the ending: SPOILER: Highlight text to read: I will say that I was a bit surprised at how quickly and (relatively) easily it was wrapped up; however, the end is so satisfying and sweet that I didn't even mind the climax being so subtle.

In all, this was an excellent sequel to a fantastic show, and it was well worth the watch.

[drill]

Currently watching Non Non Biyori. This is has been quite a good anime so far, and I can't decide if this or K-On is better which is really suprising as K-On is on my top 5 favorite anime.

Steins;Gate: Fuka Ryouiki no Déjà vu movie (sub):

The Steins;Gate series is one of my all-time top favorite anime (and I'm currently eagerly awaiting my preorder of the original VN, as well); so, as you can imagine, I've been very much looking forward to seeing this post-True-Ending sequel movie ever since it was announced (...I mean, so long as it ended well, of course ). And yes, I quite enjoyed it.

Now, I won't bother giving a synopsis since it can be easily found at MAL/etc., but suffice it to say that this had pretty much everything I wanted in it-- lots of humorous interactions in the beginning, time-travel + resultant dilemmas, good drama (which was actually a bit more internal this time due to its particular focus), and some nice romance as well. Also, interestingly enough, this movie finally explained what the "Reading Steiner" actually was (which made perfect sense, BTW), so I loved that, too. And as for the ending: SPOILER: Highlight text to read: I will say that I was a bit surprised at how quickly and (relatively) easily it was wrapped up; however, the end is so satisfying and sweet that I didn't even mind the climax being so subtle.

In all, this was an excellent sequel to a fantastic show, and it was well worth the watch.

I didn't realize there was a sequel to the show! I will definetly be watching this tomorrow.

[MangaRocks!]

^ @drill: Should let you know that there's an OVA (also called ep. 25) that goes after the show and before the movie, too, in case you hadn't seen that either. I can tell by your avatar that you're a fan of the series as well , so I hope you enjoy the sequel(s) as much as I have!

[skreyola]

Finished up Love Lab last night; It was pretty cool, if a bit tedious in places.
So, tonight, I started Mawaru Penguindrum and... um... wat!? Gonna try to give it at least through ep. 6 (so I can see the Schroedinger's Cat part someone mentioned), but I'm not sure if I'll like this show. It looks like an over-2-SD-from-the-norm show that'll be either awesome or a train wreck.

[MangaRocks!]

^ @skreyola: The thing about Mawaru Penguindrum is that it's a very complex and purposefully mind-twisty show with multiple layers of symbolism built into every possible aspect, and between that and some of its content, it's certainly not a show for everyone. Personally, however, I love the series dearly, not only because of all the thought it required/inspired, but also because it powerfully accentuated just how amazing true, selfless love really is, and how it can save people-- and that's a theme which I found very moving.

[drill]

So, I just finished the Steins;Gate movie, and now I feel like watching the series all over again. Thank you MangaRocks for bringing this movie to my attention. This was definitely an excellent sequel SPOILER: Highlight text to read: especially since Makise gets to time travel this time.

[MangaRocks!]

^ You're quite welcome! And I'm glad you enjoyed it.



Monogatari Second Season episode 23:

I swear, this has *got* to be the best arc. It goes from being so darn funny that I can't stop laughing to being utterly fascinating to being a bit emotional and then starting back around with the humor again, and that's all just in *one* episode... and every ep. of this arc so far has been just like it. Just, wow.

Some things of specific note: SPOILER: Highlight text to read: Oh my gosh, that OP-- I just can't. And ROTFL, the way Kaiki ended the conversation with Ononoki was totally awesome, bwahahahaha!! Also awesome was how he got into the closet (which I knew he had to do at some point)-- and I can't wait to see what made him so surprised. And speaking of Kaiki, holy crap-- how did this series make me go from loving-to-hate the guy to just plain *loving* him? He is seriously one of my favorite characters of the series now. SPOILER: Highlight text to read: Also interesting was the further discussion on Nadeko's personality and all of its intriguing contradictions, as well as the apparent power/plan struggle between Gaen and (I assume, from the description of what happened) Ougi...

Cannot wait for the next episode!

[skreyola]

^ @skreyola: The thing about Mawaru Penguindrum is that it's a very complex and purposefully mind-twisty show with multiple layers of symbolism built into every possible aspect, and between that and some of its content, it's certainly not a show for everyone. Personally, however, I love the series dearly, not only because of all the thought it required/inspired, but also because it powerfully accentuated just how amazing true, selfless love really is, and how it can save people-- and that's a theme which I found very moving.

That actually sounds like it's right up my alley. As long as I figure out most of what's going on by the end of the series, I'll be a happy camper. I love anime that is about more than it seems to be about.

[Mullet Death]

Getting back to Fairy Tail, finally.

[starseven]

I've been watching Eden of the East.

[Mouse2010]

Just saw SDF Macross episodes 25 & 26. This is a show that I have been working on for a long time in bits and snatches. It's starting to get really interesting again . . . but unfortunately, I have to wait for the next disc to arrive in the mail before I can watch more. I will say this: at first I thought the Max and Milia development was really stupid, but I decided that it was kind of cute. And yet also kind of stupid. Kind of cute-stupid, really.

I'm home sick today and in need of an anime fix right now, so I started rewatching one of my old favorites: Gun X Sword. This was one of the first anime series I ever watched as an adult, and it'll be interesting to see if I still love it, now that I've seen a bit more anime. (And yes, I know that some people don't care for Gun X Sword. I'm not entirely sure that I could explain why I liked it so much. Somehow it drew me in the way other better-written or better-plotted shows did not.)

[FourFourSeven]

Just got done watching "Summer Wars" on Toonami.

Final grade: A

This anime has been hereby approved by NATO!

[MangaRocks!]

Monogatari Second Season episode 24:

SPOILER: Highlight text to read: Bwahaha, he didn't think of it being able to be slipped under the door? Also, was not expecting Kaiki fanservice, LOL.

Anyway , Kaiki's interactions with Hanekawa were really interesting. (Also, yay, she didn't dye her hair! I love her natural stripes. ) Oh, and LOL on making us wait for the reveal of what was in the closet. (Actually, I wouldn't be surprised if that was left until the end of the arc, now... )

[MangaRocks!]

Monogatari Second Season episode 25:

SPOILER: Highlight text to read: Again, the conversation between Kaiki and Hanekawa was very interesting. Also: Confirmation that Oshino did not have a niece (which I had already mostly figured was a lie by Ougi, after that apparent reveal about who/what she/it really was-- or was at least connected to-- at the end of the previous arc; but the confirmation was cool ). And LOL at the pointed foreshadowing with the 'girl from a different town...'

Man, though, there were some really big twists here in regards to Kaiki's character-- I did *not* expect that revelation about what he did to the cult at all , nor that he broke Senjougahara's parents up in the first place on purpose, supposedly to help her (though it didn't turn out the way he planned... hence the 'failure'). I mean, seriously, holy crap! Talk about some big unreliable-narrator twists (an element which I happen to love, BTW )-- not only does that put all of his previous appearances in a completely different light, but that 'just a fake' thing he kept saying now takes on a whole new meaning, as well.

And oh my gosh, that cliffhanger... Now, I'm pretty sure that, for some reason, Kaiki made his opening lie be implausible on purpose-- I mean, if Araragi managed to survive all those horrific beatdowns fights in the past (including Nadeko's own near-spearing-him-to-pieces, complete with supernatural poison, no less), he ain't gonna die from a crash -- so I can only assume that was somehow part of his plan. But even so, Nadeko is so darn crazy that that seems to have been a very big risk on his part. I mean, there's no guarantee that she'll even let him have enough time to talk his way out of it/into whatever the next stage of his 'deceit'-plan is, rather than just murdering him on the spot. And man, if he *does* die, I'm going to be seriously sad/ticked...

...And honestly, it's pretty amazing that I'm actually feeling that way, after how his character was originally introduced. Kaiki has gone from an (apparently) deliciously-evil, love-to-hate-type character to a character that I genuinely love (and, indeed, he's now one of my top-favorite characters of the entire series... so he'd better survive! *shakes fist* )-- that is some impressive character development!

Though I don't want this to end, I can't wait for the finale!

[mysngoeshere56]

Chobits, episode 17.

[LastLfan]

Finally finished chronicles of the going home club, what a good gag series, that post credit scene was great and may I just say...WASABI OCTOPUS

[Panda4christ:3]

FLCL- Oh God, what's wrong with this show? XD;; why do I love it so much?

[ClaecElric4God]

Watched Howl's Moving Castle and The Secret World of Arrietty (does this count as anime?) with my parents, who've never experienced anything remotely Japanese. Also, a couple episodes of Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle.

Conclusion: My parents don't like anime.
Possible additional conclusion: My parents think I'm insane.

That said, I loved Howl's Moving Castle. It was awesome. SPOILER: Highlight text to read: Watched it dubbed to appease the fam, but I had a hard time taking Howl serious when all I could hear was Batman. Especially when he had his raspy voice moments.
"I'm the wizard Gotham deserves, but not the one it needs."
But I could watch it a dozen times before getting sick of it. One of my favorites, for sure.

[skreyola]

Watched Howl's Moving Castle and The Secret World of Arrietty (does this count as anime?) with my parents, who've never experienced anything remotely Japanese. Also, a couple episodes of Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle.

Conclusion: My parents don't like anime.
Possible additional conclusion: My parents think I'm insane.

While I would expect Ghibli to be a good entry point for most people, I could suggest some additional titles for your parents to try...

[mysngoeshere56]

Finished Chobits and my 2nd re-watch of Utena, so now I'm on Toradora!'s 17th episode.

[ClaecElric4God]

Watched Howl's Moving Castle and The Secret World of Arrietty (does this count as anime?) with my parents, who've never experienced anything remotely Japanese. Also, a couple episodes of Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle.

Conclusion: My parents don't like anime.
Possible additional conclusion: My parents think I'm insane.

While I would expect Ghibli to be a good entry point for most people, I could suggest some additional titles for your parents to try...

Sure, go for it. The help is appreciated.

[Panda4christ:3]

That said, I loved Howl's Moving Castle. It was awesome.

The book is even better >u>
have you watched spirited away yet? :3

[LastLfan]

Blue exorcist episode 5, hesitant with thi show cause i might just wait for the dub to air on toonami, bryce papenbrook is one of my favorite voice actors, also can i get that list of starter anime as well sky, i jav a few friens who kinda want to get into anime but need a good place to start

[ClaecElric4God]

That said, I loved Howl's Moving Castle. It was awesome.

The book is even better >u>
have you watched spirited away yet? :3

I haven't, but it's on my watch list. And now that you've mentioned it, I'll have to read the book.

[skreyola]

While I would expect Ghibli to be a good entry point for most people, I could suggest some additional titles for your parents to try...

Sure, go for it. The help is appreciated.

I'll second the recommendation for Spirited Away and add My Neighbor Totoro and Kiki's Delivery Service (My mom liked those the best, though she also loved Howl's).

Series anime they may like include:
Usagi Drop/Bunny Drop - A single man takes in a preschool girl who was had been living at his late grandfather's house
Chance Pop Session - Three girls try to become singing stars
Ikoku Meiro no Croisée (Croisee in a Foreign Labyrinth) - A little Japanese girl goes to Paris in the 19th Century to apprentice at a signmaker's shop
Hanasaku Iroha - A teenaged girl goes to live and work at her grandmother's inn and shakes up everyone's world there (if it matters to your folks, there are some scenes in the bath, but only un-detailed nudity)

I thought I would have more ideas, but a lot of what I watch is very not western in style. Hope this helps.

[MangaRocks!]

Monogatari Second Season ep. 26:

Holy crap, this finale.

SPOILER: Highlight text to read: Okay-- before I get to the obvious , I'll go ahead and comment on everything in order.

First: While it was... different, I actually quite liked the imagery of a swirling sea of supernatural (and exceedingly deadly) snakes-- and I loved how incongruously calm that music behind it was for the first few minutes, as well.

And then the reveal of what had actually been in the closet, led by that surprising question-- ha! That was *nothing* like what I had been expecting! And that, of course, was the perfect way to get her off-guard/shocked/angry enough to lash out with her bare hands/feet as opposed to her deadly supernatural powers (though she definitely wasn't holding back on those punches/kicks, either, poor guy... ). Also, LOL at Kaiki totally ripping into her writing at first like a really strict editor or something ; but, wow, all of his reasoning there was awesome-- to the point of actually getting her to knowingly allow herself to be deceived! And holy crap, I wasn't expecting him to forcibly extract the seal that had turned her into a god, either -- and speaking of that whole sequence, his conversation with Araragi was awesome, too.

So, yeah, I was on the edge of my seat almost the entire episode. That is, until the also-awesome final phone conversation that Kaiki had with Senjougahara (oh my gosh her line about bad women , and all the talk about love, etc. ). At that point, I was expertly lulled into being totally relaxed, just watching with a smile, and as curious as Kaiki as to why Oshino hadn't shown up during all of this...

...And then HOLY CRAP-- that ending...!! That was a total blind-side. In fact, I was so shocked by it that when the video stopped I literally (and no joke, my family can attest to this ) put my head in my hands, laughed mirthlessly, and groaned "NOOOOOOOOO you cannot do this to me, you can't end a series like that!!" After getting over my initial disbelief, however, I do have to admit that that was one of the most incredible ways to end both a character's arc and a series' finale that I've ever seen. And it's also a fantastic way to make the audience desperate for more (HANA WHEN? KIZU WHEN?? FINAL SEASON WHEN??? ).

BTW, I officially hate Ougi now. A *LOT.* (And yes, I know that Ougi's character arc could quite possibly end up being exactly like Kaiki's, where I initially hated the character with a passion and then came to love him with even more intensity than I had originally hated him. Still, if Kaiki is truly dead {which I'm half-dreadfully-certain of and half-hoping that his 'all of this could be a lie' speech at the beginning of the arc + narration even after apparent loss-of-consciousness/death means he actually somehow survived }, I'm still going to hate Ougi for having him killed, no matter how much I may or may not end up liking the character later. {And the same goes for if she/it did anything to Oshino. })

So, yes, this was a fantastic season, and easily my favorite of all of the Monogatari series so far. Very much looking forward to whatever's next!

[ClaecElric4God]

Thanks, skreyola. I'll have to look into those. Hopefully my parents are still willing to try out the stuff I suggest and don't think I'm completely bonkers.

[LastLfan]

Ep 4 of log horizon and i rewatched ep 1-6 of robotech. Episode 4 "the long wait" is my favorite anime episode of all time, no questions, before that i just had the show on in the background but that episode made me just sit in awestruck wonder. Also where do we post about j-dramas or things like super sentai, i know not anime, so general entertainment perphaps, is there already a thread for this?

[ClaecElric4God]

Finished Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan. It was kind of weird, I'll admit, but I still loved it.
SPOILER: Highlight text to read: Nurarihyon, Rihan, and Rikuo in the yard was the best part of the entire show.
But there wasn't enough Kappa. *pouts*