New shows of this season
Manbow Papa
impression and ratings of new anime shows on Japanese TV
after watching at least three episodes so far. I found only small
changes in my first impression. Shows not in this list are either
that a) I stopped watching or b) I can't reach.
*Ratings*
Indication:
[for k:kids, s:shoujo, g:grown-ups]
*:fair, **:enjoyable, ***:must see
a:good animation/artwork, d:good drama, h:humorous/hilarious,
m:good music, v:violent, w:heartwarming,
+:outstanding (e.g. a+ means outstanding animation/artwork)
1) Juubei Ninpuucho (Ninja Scroll): av
2) Last Exile: **,a+m
3) Scrapped Princess: *,a
4) Kino no Tabi: **,a+d
5) Stellvia: *,am
6) Gad Guard: ***,a
7) Texhnolyze [g]: *,a+mv
8) Kaleido Star [s]: ***,(a)dhm
9) D.N.Angel [s]: **,h
10) Matantei Loki: *,h
11) Ningen Kousaten [g]: **,dmw
12) Sonic X [k]: *
13) Konjiki no Gashbell: **,hmw
14) Di.Gi.Charat Nyo: *,h+
15) Astro Boy: ***,a+d
16) Narue no Sekai:
17) Wandaba Style:
*Brief descriptions*
1) kind of Kenshin, much more grotesque, less drama, though
2) mail delivery service in a war time. Laputa + a book of
Saint-Exupery. gorgeous graphic and great sound track
3) more a RPG than an anime. likable character is a relief
4) allegories of Aesop told in Miyazaki style.
5) a hucker in the space preventing a disaster of the Earth
6) a boy got an egg of big mecha in the future New York downtown
7) dark, weird and immoral picaresque romance. impressive artwork
and camera work. so avant-garde and dangerous.
8) back stage story of a girl becoming a star of a circus.
another entertaining series by Sato Jun'ichi.
9) Lupin meets Restorade, a dual personality boy meets twin
sisters, magic meets science
10) a mystery fan meets a private ditective who is an
expelled Scandinavian god
11) based on a popular manga. episodic story of humanity.
12) technically nonsense and surreal story but having some
good points to watch. kids will love this show
13) needs some getting used to its character design, but a
fun series in general
14) brain damagingly hilarious, insanely nonsense and
unbelievablly cute
15) visually and financially "rich" series
16) Narue, Kazuto's girl friend, is an alien. UY not.
17) a girls' singer unit in space. jokes do nothing to me.
Gonzo is responsible for the animation of 2,6,8 and 16 fully
or partially. You can see the name of "Gonzo Digimation Holdings"
or GDH in some shows. They really know the business because this
is the state-of-the-art enterprise model in which one can manage
production, marketing, sales and finance separately. Now, anime
isn't art or craft anymore. Gonzo's bad tradition is still alive.
For instance, the animation quality of "Kaleido Star" varies from
poor to excellent episode by episode. But it's also true that some
of the best shows in this season are being made by Gonzo.
*Picks*
[Juubei Ninpuucho] I keep watching this show only because this is
the only sword fight series in this season.
[Kino no Tabi] This show has great stories which are intelligent
and sarcastic. Much like a fable than an anime. The artwork is as
beautiful as Miyazaki's film.
[Gad Guard] Lightning, Hajiki's mecha, has long flexible pipes that
reminds me of King Gainer. Gad Guard has a style, a good story and
interesting characters.
[Texhnolyze] This show sometimes makes me feel sick for having
so much blood, violence and very dark tone. Since the artwork and
music are so impressive, I don't simply abandan it even though
watching it isn't a pleasant experience.
[Kaleido Star] The most entertainig show of this season to me,
if it isn't the greatest. I only wish Gonzo will manage the
highest level of animation quality rather than the highest level
of their profit.
[Konjiki no Gashbell] It looks like Yuugi-oh + One Piece. But this
show is focusing more on friendship. I like Gash's straight and
innocent personality. Otani Kou's music scores somtimes sound too
good for this sort of fight and adventure show.
--
/ Ishikawa Kazuo /
Anthony D. Baranyi
"Manbow Papa" <kis...@parkcity.ne.jp> wrote in message
news:b92549$el5d9$1...@ID-179881.news.dfncis.de...
Thanks for the update. This will help me select some of my upcoming R2 DVD
tryouts. This is particularly useful for those series such as "Kaleido Star"
where the basic premise doesn't sound that interesting.
You are helping me "support" the Japanese economy through my purchases of R2
DVDs - you ought to buy some Canadian maple syrup in exchange. <LOL>
Thanks again -
Dave Baranyi
Manbow Papa
news:pf8ta.86507$w7k....@news04.bloor.is.net.cable.rogers.com...
<snip>
> Thanks for the update. This will help me select some of my upcoming R2 DVD
> tryouts. This is particularly useful for those series such as "Kaleido Star"
> where the basic premise doesn't sound that interesting.
I hope you can enjoy the series.
> You are helping me "support" the Japanese economy through my purchases of R2
> DVDs - you ought to buy some Canadian maple syrup in exchange. <LOL>
How about "Canada" Dry Ginger Ale?
I drunk too much of it, already. ^_^
> Thanks again -
My pleasure.
Anthony D. Baranyi
Unfortunately, it is owned by either Coke or Pepsi... buy some Canadian
smoked salmon instead.
Take care -
Dave Baranyi
Megane
"Manbow Papa" <kis...@parkcity.ne.jp> wrote:
> As Dave asked me a few weeks ago, I write an update of my
> impression and ratings of new anime shows on Japanese TV
> after watching at least three episodes so far. I found only small
> changes in my first impression. Shows not in this list are either
> that a) I stopped watching or b) I can't reach.
>
> *Ratings*
>
> Indication:
> [for k:kids, s:shoujo, g:grown-ups]
> *:fair, **:enjoyable, ***:must see
> a:good animation/artwork, d:good drama, h:humorous/hilarious,
> m:good music, v:violent, w:heartwarming,
> +:outstanding (e.g. a+ means outstanding animation/artwork)
>
> 1) Juubei Ninpuucho (Ninja Scroll): av
I've heard it's good if you like the violent stuff. I don't.
In case you don't know, the original Ninja Scroll in the USA is one of
those things that mostly the "mall otaku" (the type who watch dubbed DBZ
all the time) to go nuts for. That and Ghost in the Shell (for the
boobies in that one scene).
> 3) Scrapped Princess: *,a
> 3) more a RPG than an anime. likable character is a relief
Well, that's just your opinion, but right now that's the only show I've
definitely decided I _want_ to watch. It does have humor, it's just not
a comedy like Slayers or Mahou Senshi Louie. I do like the attitudes of
the characters, and even the whole show seems to have the same attitude.
The characters were enough to make me decide to keep watching after only
two episodes.
> 5) Stellvia: *,am
So far I'm only watching it because of Arisa's seiyuu being the same as
Osaka from Azumanga and Mirelle from Hack/Udeden.
<http://photoimg.enjoyjapan.naver.com/view/47/43/enjoyjapan_11/10000/
9882.jpg>
> 7) Texhnolyze [g]: *,a+mv
> [Texhnolyze] This show sometimes makes me feel sick for having
> so much blood, violence and very dark tone. Since the artwork and
> music are so impressive, I don't simply abandan it even though
> watching it isn't a pleasant experience.
I've been wanting to watch this because of ABe, but I've heard that it's
really really dark. I've also heard that the first episode is probably
the easiest ever to subtitle because it only has like five lines.
> 17) Wandaba Style:
I scanned the player through a raw of the first episode, and it looks
like it _might_ have Excel Saga type comedy in it. I need to actually
watch the first episode, because it also looks like it might have aimed
at but completely missed the Excel Saga mark, and I don't want to waste
my time downloading it if that's so.
In all, this season is so far the most disappointing in the two years or
so that I've been watching digisubs. If I was a mecha or military or
bloody anime fan, I'd probably be more happy. There's no good solid
comedy show that I've heard of yet (like Azumanga was), and I don't
think there's even a fanservice comedy show (like Lime-iro Senkitan, G-
On Riders, etc.) this season. Of course I haven't watched Lime-iro or
G-On yet, so maybe this will give me a chance to catch up.
AstroNerdBoy
Thanks for the update.
Manbow Papa
news:meganeNS+usenet11-0...@news-50.giganews.com...
<snip>
> In all, this season is so far the most disappointing in the two years or
> so that I've been watching digisubs.
I have totally opposit impression. This season is a highlight
in recent years because better artwork and a wider variety
of genre and story.
> If I was a mecha or military or
> bloody anime fan, I'd probably be more happy.
Try "Kaleido Star". It's neither mecha nor bloody, but does
have a good drama. Besides, Hirohashi Ryo who voiced Rakka
in Haibane Renmei, is doing a very good job as Sora, the heroin,
especially in episode 5.
> There's no good solid
> comedy show that I've heard of yet (like Azumanga was), and I don't
> think there's even a fanservice comedy show (like Lime-iro Senkitan, G-
> On Riders, etc.) this season. Of course I haven't watched Lime-iro or
> G-On yet, so maybe this will give me a chance to catch up.
Go for "Wandaba Style" if you're looking for a fanservice
comedy. It isn't as hard core as Mouse was, though.
D B Malmquist
>
> Gonzo is responsible for the animation of 2,6,8 and 16 fully
> or partially. You can see the name of "Gonzo Digimation Holdings"
> or GDH in some shows. They really know the business because this
> is the state-of-the-art enterprise model in which one can manage
> production, marketing, sales and finance separately. Now, anime
> isn't art or craft anymore. Gonzo's bad tradition is still alive.
> For instance, the animation quality of "Kaleido Star" varies from
> poor to excellent episode by episode. But it's also true that some
> of the best shows in this season are being made by Gonzo.
After 3 episodes, the production quality of "Gadguard" remains
consistently very high. Heck, they're still animating the bystanders
on the street in ep 3. I could hardly tell it's a Gonzo show. I
read they hired a bunch of talented outsiders to oversee this one
for them?
--
- dbm
Random link: http://www.toilegami.com/
D B Malmquist
>
> "Megane" <meganeNS...@fanboy.net> wrote in message
> news:meganeNS+usenet11-0...@news-50.giganews.com...
> <snip>
> > In all, this season is so far the most disappointing in the two years or
> > so that I've been watching digisubs.
>
> I have totally opposit impression. This season is a highlight
> in recent years because better artwork and a wider variety
> of genre and story.
I agree. This year's new shows vary widely in style and artwork,
with some very distinctive and original offerings.
With one exception: there doesn't seem to be very many good shoujo
series debuting this year. I haven't seen "Kaleido Star", but the
first few episodes of "D.N.Angel" don't seem all that great IMHO.
Daisuki's parents behave in such a silly and unbelievable way in
episode one that I was turned off the show.
> > If I was a mecha or military or
> > bloody anime fan, I'd probably be more happy.
>
> Try "Kaleido Star". It's neither mecha nor bloody, but does
> have a good drama. Besides, Hirohashi Ryo who voiced Rakka
> in Haibane Renmei, is doing a very good job as Sora, the heroin,
> especially in episode 5.
Also maybe "Mahou Tsukai ne Taisetsu na Koto" aka "What's Important
to a Mage" aka "Someday's Dreamers".
> > There's no good solid
> > comedy show that I've heard of yet (like Azumanga was), and I don't
> > think there's even a fanservice comedy show (like Lime-iro Senkitan, G-
> > On Riders, etc.) this season. Of course I haven't watched Lime-iro or
> > G-On yet, so maybe this will give me a chance to catch up.
>
> Go for "Wandaba Style" if you're looking for a fanservice
> comedy. It isn't as hard core as Mouse was, though.
I though the 1st episode of "Wandaba Style" was really funny.
OTOH I though "Lime-Iro" and "G-On Riders" were lame and boring.
<shrug>
Thanks for the updates!
--
- dbm
Random link: http://fishrock.com/yantram/
Megane
<meganeNS+usenet11-0...@news-50.giganews.com>,
Megane <meganeNS...@fanboy.net> wrote:
> > 5) Stellvia: *,am
>
> So far I'm only watching it because of Arisa's seiyuu being the same as
> Osaka from Azumanga and Mirelle from Hack/Udeden.
I think I've finally figured this out. Of course episode 5 has to whack
me over the head with it, but now it looks like this is best described
as a cross between Nadesico and Battle Athletes.
Megane
"Manbow Papa" <kis...@parkcity.ne.jp> wrote:
> "Megane" <meganeNS...@fanboy.net> wrote in message
> news:meganeNS+usenet11-0...@news-50.giganews.com...
> <snip>
> > In all, this season is so far the most disappointing in the two years or
> > so that I've been watching digisubs.
>
> I have totally opposit impression. This season is a highlight
> in recent years because better artwork and a wider variety
> of genre and story.
I don't really care that much about artwork beyond good character
designs. (But Violinist of Hamelin was way too far.) I want good
writing, but not about something that I find boring. (like anything in
the horror category, for a start)
> > If I was a mecha or military or
> > bloody anime fan, I'd probably be more happy.
>
> Try "Kaleido Star". It's neither mecha nor bloody, but does
> have a good drama. Besides, Hirohashi Ryo who voiced Rakka
> in Haibane Renmei, is doing a very good job as Sora, the heroin,
> especially in episode 5.
What I saw of the first episode didn't seem all that interesting. Maybe
it seemed a bit "shigoto-kusai". (Then why am I starting to like
Stellvia? Maybe because they're doing it for school.) Or something
like that.
Really I haven't had enough time to keep up with that much anyhow
lately, and won't until after A-Kon. I still need to do some costume
work. (48 buttonholes for the ribbons on Sai's sleeves is going to be a
lot of work with three weeks left)
> > There's no good solid
> > comedy show that I've heard of yet (like Azumanga was), and I don't
> > think there's even a fanservice comedy show (like Lime-iro Senkitan, G-
> > On Riders, etc.) this season. Of course I haven't watched Lime-iro or
> > G-On yet, so maybe this will give me a chance to catch up.
>
> Go for "Wandaba Style" if you're looking for a fanservice
> comedy. It isn't as hard core as Mouse was, though.
Hey, I'm not looking for kyo-nyuu fanservice! Just moe-moe, please.
And more miko and catgirls! ^_^
Andrew Hollingbury
"Megane" <meganeNS...@fanboy.net> wrote in message
news:meganeNS+usenet11-0...@news-50.giganews.com...
> In all, this season is so far the most disappointing in the two years or
> so that I've been watching digisubs. If I was a mecha or military or
> bloody anime fan, I'd probably be more happy. There's no good solid
> comedy show that I've heard of yet (like Azumanga was), and I don't
> think there's even a fanservice comedy show (like Lime-iro Senkitan, G-
> On Riders, etc.) this season. Of course I haven't watched Lime-iro or
> G-On yet, so maybe this will give me a chance to catch up.
I don't think it's too bad, actually, the season's shaped up to be a lot
better than I had expected. Originally the only show I wanted to see any of
was Matantei Loki Ragnarok, solely because my favourite seiyuu was in a
drama CD for it ^_^; However, I've really enjoyed Scrapped Princess, DN
Angel (yes, it's silly, but bits of it are highly cool) and Gad Guard as
well as Loki from this season.
It's faired better than the January season, where I only really enjoyed the
continuing Wolf's Rain and Somedays Dreamer.
Andrew H