Curse

Spooky · Mar 09, 2005, 11:17 PM // 23:17

I'll try and keep this thread somewhat updated, part of the joys of a new computer is having a gigantic hard drive to just keep downloading.. and downloading.. and saving stuff up for a rainy day. Anyhow, here's round one in alphabetical order:

Beck:
As the brief description suggests, is the story of the formation of the band, and their struggle towards recognition. It is a formula that most people are familiar with, and has been applied to everything from baseball (Princess 9, etc) to Cirque du Soleil esque stage performances (Kaleido Star) - what sets Beck apart is the overall realism inherent to the series. It is easy to forget that you are, in fact, watching an anime. Whether it is the hardships of learning an instrument, meshing with a band, or just the characters themselves - everything has a very natural, believable feel to it. Also, the music is awesome, from the catchy Punk-ish opening, to the J-Rock, to the great 60's ish song played in Ep 6 I believe... the OST came out today, look for it if you can. Hopefully the series will continue past its first season - if it doesn't, look into the manga .. it's not quite as fun for not being able to hear the songs and the wacky Engrish, but still an engaging read.

Bleach:
I was really surprised by this series - at first it looked to be the typical sort of story you'd expect from Shounen Jump - the same formula that has worked for One Piece, Naruto, etc. However, Bleach never gets dragged down by the trappings of the genre ("You are indeed powerful, but your power is no match for my true power, which I have been hiding until now, because that power is so powerful, it would overpower your power, which I wanted to test, to see how powerful your power truly was.") and fights are mostly there when necessary, not as the focus. Instead, what really makes the show shine is the characters - personality, interaction, and perhaps most of all the sense of comic timing present to the series. It is very .. offbeat. Not Azumanga Daioh level offbeat, but still eccentric and amusing. There's also interesting art direction for the show as well, as things tend to be tinged by 1970's Americana. The manga is also an enjoyable read, so if you're looking for something to have fun with and get into - this is a pretty good bet.

Samurai Champloo:
Chances are, even the most casual fan of anime has heard of, and probably enjoyed, Cowboy Bebop. Well, this was the followup project from Shinichiro Watanabe. Most people are familiar with it for that reason alone - I would have recommended it sooner, but I prefer to wait until series are done / almost done (though there will be a second season) before suggesting them - as waiting on a new episode each week is often tedious at best. This one will be airing on Adult Swim this summer, so I say: watch it now. Why? Because then when it's popular and everyone else likes it, you can say you liked it first, and how you're a 'better' fan because of it. Because the internet has taught me that in order to like something, you must hate everyone else that also likes it. Anyway, just watch the show. It has hiphop and people getting stabbed - just like real life! Heh.

Deadroot · Mar 09, 2005, 11:45 PM // 23:45

I'll add a few from the currently airing in Japan section..

Air
The first thing that you notice in this show is just how amazingly beautiful it is. The art, animation, and backgrounds are all top notch for an anime series (its good quality compared to OVAs as well). But this show isn't just about eye candy, it has a deep story with interesting characters. Its from the same folks that brought us Kanon, so expect a very good drama with some unexpected twists. This is one of my favorite shows from the ones I am currently watching.

Mai-HiME
Another of my favorites this season, Mai-HiME (or My-HiME) is the story about girls who have inherited strange powers...but its not as corny as it sounds. This show had every chance to fall into mediocrity with that theme, but the story has been very captivating. There's a good amount of humor thrown in, but the juice of this series is the darker drama that is unfolding. It leads to some really nice action scenes set to a great soundtrack.

School Rumble
This is one that I wasn't expecting to enjoy too much. Its basically a comedy that is similar to Azumanga Daioh, but as much as I loved Azumanga, I just didn't think School Rumble was as good. I kept watching though since it was entertaining in its own way, and I was later rewarded with some drama and character developement that really opened up the series. The drama is fairly light and all, but it really makes the series better I think. Overall, this is a pretty fun show with some good comedy and silliness.

Hehe, maybe later I'll recommend some shows that I've already finished watching.

Spooky · Mar 10, 2005, 12:03 AM // 00:03

Yeah, I guess I should have specified I was doing the 'Currently Airing..' or else my list would have gone on, and on.. and then on some more.
I've already got the first 14 episodes of School Rumble downloaded, since I was going to watch that after I finished these three, and was thinking of picking up Mai-HiME as well. I suppose i'll start doing that after the All Call tonight.
I'm also working on Negima .. i'm a little disappointed by the production values (especially considering what a success Love Hina was) but it's still good, mindless fluffy fun. Heh.

THX · Mar 10, 2005, 12:46 AM // 00:46

Gankutsuoh
By far my favorite new anime, a twisted story based upon Duma's Count of Monte Cristo. Simple put, it is a tale of one man's journey towards absolute revenge. It is an excellent psychological thriller, the characters are well developed and story is very unpredictable (on a micro level), obviously those who are familiar with the original story understand the general basis of the story. Nevertheless, Gankutsuoh presents the tale in a very different manner/setting (In the not so distant future, during the colonization of space). It is an absolute must see for those who love Dark Dramas.

Monster
Another of my Psychological thriller favorites, the story is like no other and it is completely unpredictable. I've seen up to episode 40 and the story continues to progress very fluidly, with no end in sight. Again, a must see for those who love Dark Dramas.

Also, I second Bleach. I had the distinct impression it would end up as a Naruto, but I have been pleasantly surprised by its quality. I readily look forward to it each week. Same goes for Beck

Other Suggestions (order of my top 10 favorite series):

Berserk
Gantz
Elfen Lied
Juuni Kokki
Now and Then, Here and There
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Last Exile
Full Metal Alchemist
Wolf's Rain
Rurouni Kenshin OVAs

Deadroot · Mar 10, 2005, 01:07 AM // 01:07

Since you brought up Negima, I'll do a little thing on it.

Mahou Sensei Negima
Also known as Magister Negi Magi (or just Negima for short), its from the creator of Love Hina, Ken Akamatsu. You can definately tell they both come from the same person, but Negima is different in that it focuses less on romance and more on action and there's magic involved. The anime has been rather disappointing in that the quality of the animation has been quite poor (I get a better sense of animation from the manga). It hasn't gone unnoticed by Ken Akamatsu, so starting with episode 10, there will be a new animation team that will come in to improve the animation. Several parts of the episodes before that will be reworked for the DVD release, including completely redoing episode 2 (this will mean the DVDs will take a little longer to be released). I don't know just how much of an improvement this will be, but a boost to the animation for when the action starts up will definately help the series.

As for the series itself, it starts off a little slow since it introduces people and such, but you don't have to worry about them introducing the entire class of girls right away, they ween them into the story slowly...its still a lot of characters though. But after the first part of the story, things really pick up. I don't really want to say much though, I just hope the anime turns out good after the animation facelift since I have really enjoyed the manga.

Here's a list of all the anime I've seen. It also has the shows I'm currently watching, but only completed ones are rated. I'm a little generous when it comes to rating a series I didn't care for, but I try not to give a Masterpiece or Excellent rating to just any show. But it will at least give you an idea of what I'm into and such. There's a link near the top that will lead to the manga I've read too, but that's a much shorter list at the moment

Spooky · Mar 10, 2005, 01:37 AM // 01:37

Hmm.. here's my (somewhat updated) list. I have the feeling it's still missing quite a few titles, but I have an awful, awful memory.
In closing: only one more month until the start of the Tsubasa: Resevoir Chronicle anime. Woo!

Deadroot · Mar 10, 2005, 01:58 AM // 01:58

Heh, you saw Tekken? I heard that was supposed to be one of the worst anime out there.

You didn't put down the two Love Hina movies (Spring and Xmas specials), is that a mistake? Xmas was pretty good, you should see it if you haven't. Same goes for Kenshin. There's one Kenshin OVA (Meiji Kenkaku Romantan - Tsuioku Hen, or Trust and Betrayal in the US) that's exceptional. Its one of my favorites, and you don't even need to watch the Kenshin series to enjoy it.

Hehe, you need to go through all the titles at ANN to make a list like mine

There's another Full Metal Panic coming soon, that and Tsubasa are the two shows I've been most looking forward too. Want to read the Tsubasa manga too, but manga are such a pain since they take a while to be released. Will probably wait until its all out and then get it.

Looking at THX's list reminds me that I need to get Juuni Kokki. Started watching it a while ago, but never finished (due to lack of hard drive space and because I couldn't find it for a while). Someone keeps bugging me to see Madlax too, says its really good.

Spooky · Mar 10, 2005, 02:28 AM // 02:28

Yeah, i've seen the Spring and X-Mas specials. Kenshin as well.
Tekken was as bad as they say it was, that's why I watched it. Perhaps it comes from watching too much MST3K, but the worse something is, the more potential I have to amuse myself with it (as opposed to being amused by it.)

William the Silent · Mar 10, 2005, 03:20 AM // 03:20

Argh, how dare you bring up such...baddiness? Tekken was brutally terrible. Watching it through was like having a root canal while the doctor gives you diet caffeine free mountain dew through a straw. Let sleeping crap lie!

mostro · Mar 10, 2005, 04:57 AM // 04:57

I liked School Rumble in the beginning, but the later episodes seem to lose focus and a little bit confusing, especially to people who do not read the manga (i.e. me).

Genshiken is pretty cool too. I just noticed that on the ep 12 by A-Faith there is a SpookyElectric mentioned in the credits for raws. Is that the same Spooky here?

Mar 10, 2005, 05:41 AM // 05:41

hmm I'd recommened some but right now my mind is blank and you guys covered some good ones.

Deadroot · Mar 10, 2005, 05:43 AM // 05:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by mostro

Genshiken is pretty cool too. I just noticed that on the ep 12 by A-Faith there is a SpookyElectric mentioned in the credits for raws. Is that the same Spooky here?

I thought the same thing when I first saw that!! I asked Spooky about it and he said it wasn't him. I enjoyed Genshiken dispite that disappointment though

Freyas · Mar 10, 2005, 09:25 AM // 09:25

I've watched many anime- can't remember all of them offhand. However, ones that stuck out as being very good and that I would recommend to others are:

Naruto(140ish episodes out currently and still coming out every week.... but a very good anime. Unfortunately, it's recently been licensed in the US, so it's probably not going to be available for free via the net for too much longer.)
Last Exile(very good anime- I'm still seeding it through bittorrent, even though I finished watching it several months ago)
Ruroni Kenshin(nice battles, pretty good character development)

I've been meaning to download some Bleach, as it got a big recommendation from a friend of mine that's been keeping up on it. I've seen some Samurai Champloo, but haven't really watched enough to get into it(1-2 episodes).

LordFu · Mar 11, 2005, 05:31 PM // 17:31

My two personal favorites are the X series and movie, and JoJo's Bizarre Adventure. If you like crazy psychic powers and awesome battles, these two are for you.

Ti-Ben · Mar 13, 2005, 08:57 PM // 20:57

I've been watching Naruto, School Rumble and Samurai Champloo all in raws and reading the mangas for each to understand something, except Champloo which doesn't seem to have one. All in all they are very good, but Naruto and SR are a loads better in manga form : they are further in the story, and both are getting very good right now, especially Naruto, . I haven't checked Bleach yet since it's probably gonna eat all my bandwidth which is very limited in the first place.

Air is also on my current list. Pretty good anime, although I find it confusing at times, I like it because of the deep character development. But with the last episode I'm all the more confused. I've been following Xenosaga too, I'm pretty disapointed in this one though as it straigh way too much from the game, which I still haven't finished.. and probably won't ever sadly.

Best one as to be Berserk I think, but that's maybe just me, the anime is awesome, and the mangas is ever better, yet again. Character depth is phenomenal recently is you read it and things are shapping up to be a real blood bath.

Also, I'm not sure, but there seems to be something related to Elfen Lied coming up on the 3rd of April, hope it's a second seacon.

Spooky · Mar 14, 2005, 01:16 AM // 01:16

Heh. I see the confusion about my old screen name has come back again. It's highly uncommon, but you might see it here and there, because it was from Boogiepop Phantom. It has nothing to do with the character (who is on screen for maybe, 5 seconds) .. I just liked the way the name sounded. As a side note, anyone who likes paranormal / mystery / 'thinking' series should watch Boogiepop. Or i'll beat you to death with a snow shovel.

The new FMP isn't out yet.. blah. I've been meaning to start on Air as well, but it seems that everyone that has it, also has a miraculously bad transfer speed. Makes me wonder how they ever got a hold of a 300+ mb file in the first place.
I've got a couple new series that i'm watching that i'll probably do a little write up on (after i've seen more episodes), but in the meantime, I feel compelled to say:
Yakitate!! Japan. What the heck? I've seen some pretty bizarre concepts for a show before, but making bread takes the cake. Harr! Pastry puns are on the rise.

Also: the Bleach manga continues to get better and better, now that i'm up-to-current on it. Using that as any sort of indication, i'm assuming they'll have to use the entirety of the second Anime season (possibly beyond?) just for the Soul Society arc, as it has gotten really involved. Recommendation still stands.

Deadroot · Mar 14, 2005, 02:11 AM // 02:11

If you think Yakitate is crazy fun now, just wait until it really gets going. Been reading the manga, and the bread tasting reactions and situations continue to get sillier

. The puns never stop either, its great.

Quote:

I've seen some pretty bizarre concepts for a show before, but making bread takes the cake. Harr! Pastry puns are on the rise.

Spooky · Mar 27, 2005, 09:51 PM // 21:51

Behold! My powers have summoned this thread for an update.

The last episode of Samurai Champloo (S1, anyway) has been released, and I have seen that it is good. It's the kind of episode where, after watching it, it puts all of the episodes that came before it into perspective. I won't say anything more than that so as not to spoil it for any potential viewers.

I've been watching a few previously mentioned here, and i'll say that:

Mai HiME: Is, indeed, more interesting and entertaining than its original premise would lead you to believe. It's kind of like an interesting reinterpretation of the mahou shoujo genre .. that ends up getting very dark. Good stuff, though one thing that bothers me .. is the unfortunate tendency for some of the character designs to have straight cut bangs across the forehead. It just isn't flattering at all. Maybe that's just me, though. On the other hand.. this show has Midori. And Midori is reason enough to watch. That's not so much an opinion as it is an incontrovertible fact.

School Rumble: It's kind of like your dopey best friend. You know the one .. not the most sophisticated, but they're always around to cheer you up with their antics, and deep down inside you love them for it. It's something like that. Does that even make sense? Regardless, it's overall a pretty humorous and entertaining show. Ichijou 4TW!

Tsukuyomi Moon Phase: This one is kind of bizarre. It seems that, no matter how many episodes I watch, I can't get a solid grip on what to call it. Is it.. gothic? Horror? It's certainly got some interesting 'eerie' settings and themes. It's also got vampires.. and familiars.. and dark mystery plot. But it's also.. like a romance comedy. I know, I know. I'm sure it sounds just as weird to you as it does to me. But at the same time .. it's certainly kept me hooked to the point where I have to keep watching it. And no, that's not because of the abundance of neko mimi .. or the fact that the theme song itself is dedicated to them. Seriously.

Some of the stuff that i've got on the backburner for future updates: Air, and Mahoraba - Heartful Days.

bouncingsoulx · Mar 27, 2005, 10:53 PM // 22:53

DN Angel is a great anime