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Post by Morcombe on Jan 6, 2015 16:17:54 GMT -5
a brand new year of anime except so many of them are sequels that I cantw atch acuse av not seen the first seasons lol except for Kuroko which I'm up to date with so yay. the chart Well I'll try to watch most of the new shows along with Kuroko and this year I'm gonna finish what I start!!! |
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Post by Kyubey on Jan 20, 2015 18:39:25 GMT -5
I watched things this season! Not much, but I did! Here's my thoughts, based on the first episode of everything.
Aldnoah Zero
As much as I don't really share as much contempt for this series as other people have, more and more I see the validity of their complaints, and am beginning to share them. The end of the last season gave some cause for hope, with some serious twists thrown in that could have elevated the story to a much better level, and set it on a course much more in line with Urobuchi's usual quality. In order for the plot to develop, it needed that moment that closed the first season. So of course, what else was there to do but invalidate all of it immediately! Just in the first episode, there was a lot that made me groan, which shouldn't be my primary emotional reaction during an exciting giant robot fight. It does go in some small amounts forward, however. The increased focus on the politics of the world is a positive touch, not only because those parts are better and more interesting, but because it distracts from the horribly clumsy character writing. At times, the mediocre lines are thrown literally right on top of important world-building scenes, leading me to believe that the show itself doesn't care enough to flesh out its own story. The one figure who I daresay is actually written better in the second season, however, is Slaine, who I'm happy to say is also given a stronger focus, and this time is given important things to do. While I would absolutely not say I'm impressed by Aldnoah Zero, it does still have plenty of chances to straighten itself out, and glean something memorable from what it already has. Considering how fast paced, good-looking and compelling the action alone is, I'd say it has a pretty fair shot. Still, that dialogue and shoddy plot points are huge negative marks, and have a very strong chance of bringing the whole thing down, if they aren't careful and on their A-Game throughout.
Death Parade
Just the preview alone was enough to get me hooked on this show, and it's already proven to be one of the most interesting things to come out of this season, even if only because it looks nothing like anything else. Even though it looks like most of the story will be restricted to one place, the setting is fascinating enough that I wouldn't want to stray far from it anyway. Combining class, seediness, and mystery, while using both Eastern and Western iconography, the Queen Decim has a surreal, otherwordly life all its own, as does its staff. With what small taste I've seen of it in episode one, I already want to see and know more about it, its origins, and the people who work there. One of my favorite things about the anime is how dark and twisted it is, gleefully reveling in its own weightiness, but it doesn't allow its own tone to be pulled down by it either. Even at its darkest, Death Parade still knows how to have fun, as made clear by all the dancing in the opening theme. From the first big freakout moment in the opening episode, the anime establishes that it's not about to take itself too seriously, but it will explore its concepts to the fullest regardless. Even the melodrama still feels kind of justified, as these are really heavy truths being shoved onto the characters, and it makes sense that not everyone would be able to handle it. And this high emotional tension is conveyed beautifully through the art style, which stands out all on its own. Not everyone will enjoy the show pulling them into its own madness so much, but for those who do, Death Parade is certainly a fun little ride of a show.
Yuri Kuma Arashi
I very sincerely hope that Kunihiko Ikuhara never stops doing... whatever it is that he thinks he's doing. His style is too crazy, and his feeling for story too unique, to ever be replaced. Anyone who knows me should be able to tell instantly that this is my top show of the season, absolutely no contest. Like the best of his works, in Yuri Kuma Arashi Ikuhara explores both the purity and the viciousness inherent in love, in a way that evokes emotions that are every bit as innocent, as well as cheerily sadistic, as his characters. The world of his works may be bright, and may look lovely, but beauty, like in our world, is usually hiding something. The talent here is displayed by twisting the lovely and familiar images to expose the grim reality, while still retaining the ethereal aesthetic that rests on the surface. The storyline is much of the same, with the writing combining heartfelt sincerity with a ridiculousness that's hard not to laugh at. And while it is clear that Ikuhara is slipping into his stable of familiar imagery (spiraling staircases, flower language, lesbians) the storyline is surreal enough to keep me guessing. I honestly have no idea where any of this is going, or even where it is in any given moment, I just know that I love it. Anything else, I can't possibly say without ruining it, so you'll have to discover it on your own. While something this strange certainly might not have universal appeal, and will probably scare away people who can't handle certain aspect, I encourage you to check it out anyways, something this interesting needs to not only be talked about in the moment, but remembered long after. Fitting for it's central themes, this is a show that loves being what it is, and isn't about to change for anyone's sensibilities. And I would never have it any other way. Gao Gao!
There we go, I'll be back in Spring to tell you what I thought of the rest of these pieces. See ya then, and in the meantime, keep on watching good anime!
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Post by Morcombe on Oct 17, 2015 9:44:12 GMT -5
I don't see myself coming back this season any time soon so here is just my simple completed show rankings for winter 2015
1. Kuroko's Basketball 3 -10
2. Seiken Tsukai no World Break - 9
3. Shinmai Maou no Testament - 8
4. Assassination Classroom - 8
5. Absolute Duo - 7
6. Military! - 6
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Post by zaboozer on Oct 17, 2015 10:11:50 GMT -5
Agreee. So awesome!!!!!!! * not 3 but whatever  |
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Post by Morcombe on Oct 17, 2015 10:44:39 GMT -5
Yip Kuroko was amazing, you think it can get any worse than Aomine then Akashi turns up and he just has you dancing to his whim and owning everyone. putting his whole team into a psuedo-zone was so op and when I read that in the manga I thought well shit they really are gonna beat Seiren, I guess this series isn't over afterall but then Kagami opened the door and yay.
still pissed it's over I really wanted to see them go into the same team and go to international champiosnhsips and then professional like Major did. I guess we're kidna getting that with the spin off manga where they take on a street ball team from america but i'm waiting till it's complete before reading it as it's 1 chapter every 3 months or something like that. No idea why teh authro would end a money maker during it's peak, he's insane.
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Post by zaboozer on Oct 17, 2015 12:49:04 GMT -5
Yeah I was kinda bummed it ended. I sorta understand it though, the trouble with sports manga/ anime is that you need the protagonist to win, the author did a great job of keeping a good balance so we were left guessing as to whether they would win or lose in the end... but you cant repeat that and if you did winning OR losing would be lame. I like the pro idea tho, possibly with a time skip and whatnot, would most definitely read/watch a spin off when its complete, but sounds kinda predictable.
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