Winter(11-12) Anime: Final (brief) Impressions

Yo!  Just briefing you in on my final impressions from last season's anime.  

In no particular order: [Black★Rock Shooter, Ano Natsu de Matteru, Another, Danshi Koukousei no Nichijou, Papa no Iu Koto wo Kikinasai, and Inu x Boku SS].  Can't believe we are starting a new season again.  Guess it's time to move on . . .

Black★Rock Shooter

I don't know what to say about this series.  There was a lot of symbolism, a lot of melodrama, a lot of dangerous weapons :D  It was alright.  I will skip any possible raging and just say that it wasn't as good as I expected, but the action was nice.  As for the ending, it was a pretty safe ending - leaving room for a possible sequel, but I doubt there will be one.

Ano Natsu de Matteru

Lemon-senpai couldn't get any cooler.  She was the real star of the show.  No, this was not some sci-fi, high school romance . . . it was a sci-fi, action-packed story . . . all about Remon and her super cute side kick Rinon and how they save the world from evil, big breasted, aliens who probe high school boys and trick them into thinking that they are in love.  OK?!  Maybe not lol.  Overall, it was still pretty good.  There is no need for a sequel.  For what?  So they can fuck it up?  No thanks. It had the perfect ending.  Leave it alone.  Unless it's a spin-off about Remon :D

Another

What is this?  Final Destination?  Another was average by my standards.  It wasn't even that scary. I guess I shouldn't be surprised.  Mystery and horror isn't exactly my cup of tea.  I didn't even feel sad for those who died.  I would have probably enjoyed it if they added more character development.  That way, I'd at least shed a tear for those who succumbed to their fated deaths. 

Danshi Koukousei no Nichijou

Nichibros was too funny.  I'm glad I picked it up.  Some gags were funnier than others, but in regards to consistency, it did pretty well.  My favorite character was Hidenori - his gags always made me laugh.  And those funky schools girls were a treat.  They made fun of K-On lol.  I just wish the main trio were together more often. Overall, I think it was good enough for a second season. Lets cross our fingers.

Papa no Iu Koto wo Kikinasai

PapaKiki was great, whachu talking bout?  It was funny and cute.  Some say it was too cute for them to handle, but ok.  I guess I have a high tolerance level for cute things.  Despite it being about a college student taking care of three little girls, it was very bland and drama-less. However, it made up for that with its comedy.  It was also quite easy to get past the taboo.  The only lolicon in the series was some perverted club president who was constantly beat by a girl named Raika, so he got what he deserved. Other than that, the eldest girl had a crush on the protagonist, but it's not something new to anime.  If that's your reason for hating the series, then I assume you hate Inu x Boku as well because Soushi sure fits that lolicon role.  Just saying.  I just wish we got more of Yuuta's sister.  She would have made a lovable character.

Inu x Boku SS

Kyaa!  InuBoku was definitely one of the best of the season.  It had the sparkles, the bubbles, the action, the comedy, the bishies, the music . . . and Kagerou!  Am I missing anything?  For a shounen anime, it was very shoujo-ish and because of that, it gained a much bigger audience.  So far I haven't read a bad review about it.  If you were to tell me you hated it, I just wouldn't believe you.  Is that an April fool's joke? There is no way you can hate it . . . no way!  It had a really cute and funny ending and by the looks of it, there might be a second season. I am hoping there is because there is definitely room for more love. Maybe expand on that Karuta and Watanuki relationship?  I don't care.  I demand more Kagerou! >.<

Ano Natsu de Matteru 10

                                                                    Onee-chan??

With only two episodes left, we finally get that alien goodness we've been waiting for.  Scratch that.  The alien goodness appeared 2 episodes ago along with that big alien pod and Rinon's piloting skills.  Ichika's secret was revealed since then and her relationship with Kaito has been settled(thanks to Kanna).  They are now Mr. and Mrs. Kaito-kun(no they didn't get married).  

                                           Ichika is obviously the seme in this relationship.                                                            Ichika: "What is this?"

Lemon: "It is only bubble gum Ichika - only bubble gum fu fu fu fu . . ."

Remon ftw! (^-^)d  But aren't things moving too fast Remon?  Nonsense! XD  Well in other news, Rinon is a girl.  I never knew what he/she was, until now.  After that kiss from Kaito, that is.  How was it Rinon?  Ha ha.  Moving on . . . it's starting to feel like I'm interviewing characters here.

Kanna is still upset :(  It breaks my heart to see her hurting over a kid who is not worth it. Seriously. Kaito is not good enough for Kanna.  At least, she has Tetsurou to comfort her even though it's also sad on his part. Then we have Mio.  It's like an emotional roller coaster!  A ride only the strong hearted can handle. Something they all possess.

Now, I say this because despite the emotional pain they are going through, they still have the strength to genuinely care for their rivals and endure.  I honestly don't know if I would willingly give up my true love to my friend and keep that friendship - the way Tetsurou does, or tries to do.  Mio on the other hand suffers for them both and probably endures more than the rest.  I like that her new character is more confident and unlike the others, she confessed her feelings rather quickly. She is more at risk to losing to Kanna now so in an attempt to win Tetsurou's heart she has put herself out there countless times.  That deserves my respect.  The same goes for Tetsurou.  Mio was initially the one I was rooting for in this love Pentagon, but now that Tetsurou and Kanna have confessed, it has certainly stirred my feelings on the matter.  I don't know whether this is all about Ichika x Kaito or Kanna x Tetsurou x Mio.  The emphasis varies between the two a lot.  

In many ways, the series is very similar to Ano Hana - both having the same director and all. However, very different as well.  I have not seen Onegai Teacher so I cannot comment much about that, but what I like about Ano Natsu is that it has taken a different approach from Ano Hana.  Ano Natsu has, so far, successfully delivered more character development that may or may not affect the ending of the series. Ano Hana of course had a great ending despite that detail, but because Ano Natsu admitted it - could it possibly surpass our beloved Ano Hana? I am anxious to see how things will turn out :)

                                        "Another hot alien?!!  I'll never get my shot with Kaito-kun!"

Ano Natsu de Matteru 07

                                              Good job Kaito-kun.  You're not an idiot after all.

It's true that most anime series have a beach episode.  Another - despite the gruesome deaths and mystery, has a beach episode.  I guess, it's the perfect setting for an anime to spread a little bit of fanservice and some summer heat.  Things were definitely heating up in this episode.

And by heating up, I don't mean Kanna getting drunk . . . again :P - This was just fun to watch.  Oh Remon. What I wouldn't do for a sip of that dynamite drink.  (Recap): Last time, we were sort of left with a big cliff hanger, which didn't seem that important after watching this episode.  Ichika was surprised to find Kaito and Kinoshita being a little intimate.  So naturally, she ran away.  What kind of alien are you? Conquer the damn planet and probe Kaito!  Okay, luckily she didn't do that. Oh and there was also Mio half naked on top of Tetsurou. XD  And Remon, on the edge of a cliff overlooking the world like she's freaking ruler of the universe! *whispers* - She's an alien . . . !!  Moving on . . . this episode was just as entertaining.  Not only does Kanna get drunk, she does a little cosplay as well.  But before that happened, a few other things occurred.

This episode was probably the most solid episode when it came to Ichika and Kaito's relationship. They definitely know how they feel about each other and to prove it, look up at the first image in case you missed it.  Nah, of course you didn't miss it!  After Ichika cleared things up with Kinoshita, about whether or not she got dumped, it turns out Kinoshita's feelings were all a big misunderstanding.  So Kinoshita gave Ichika an opportunity to be alone with Kaito - her way of apologizing.  That's when Kaito practically reveals his feelings to her and goes on about being the "chaser" rather than the "chasee" and suddenly puts the moves on Ichika.  Gotta say, that was pretty manly of him.  Unfortunately, they get interrupted by meow Kanna lol.  Don't think I've forgotten about Mio! She was with Tetsurou, helping him run away from that annoying b-word. Somehow, that girl finds them, though and tries to continue her pointless date.  Of course, not if Mio had anything to say about it!  I was surprised that Mio had the courage to tug of war for him. She has gained my respect, even if she is a nudist!  I was actually more shocked when she confessed her feelings to him :O

In the end, they continued their fun at the beach.  Remon kept being her cool mischievous self. But Rinon . . . well, that's another story.  Looks to me like he accidentally made a call to some alien friends.  That, or they have no ship to get back home with.  Ah, don't sweat it Rinon.  Ichika is just going to kill you :)

Psss . . have you noticed my new comment box?  Eh, ehh?  Makes you want to leave a comment, doesn't it? ;)  

Ano Natsu de Matteru 04: The Alien Stalker

Nothing like a near death experience to start off your day :)

He he he . . . Kaito, that's so moé.

After that awkward moment between Ichika and Kaito, things have become even more akward. They even had a hard time greeting each other in the morning.  It almost killed Rinon!  Poor Rinon.  This was not his episode. But it was mine :)

Funniest episode, so far.  Ichika and Kaito spent the day fantasizing about each other.  Ichika fantasized about the perfect solution to her problem, hoping Kaito would tell her to disregard his reaction about him liking her. Kaito on the other hand, was hoping Ichika would confess her "mutual" feelings to him.  Thus, causing the confusion between Kaito and Tetsurou.  But Tetsurou made it perfectly clear he didn't swing that way. XD  And Remon is just too funny getting Ichika all worked up like that.  She's cool.

Soon afterwards, on her way home, Ichika finds Kaito in some older woman's car and turns into something evil. She goes on jealous mode and decides to abuse of Rinon's teleporting(poor Rinon) and stalk him. She stalks him into a lingerie store - giving the audience a little fanservice as the woman flaunted her bod, making Ichika even more jealous.  But Rinon was having fun, at least.

Fucken Rinon! LOL

She stalked him into the movies and watched HOTD.  I didn't know there was a movie? XD  And just what are you doing eating popcorn Rinon?!  This was supposed to be - not your episode.

She later ends up at an apartment where Ichika comes up with the worst case scenerio that could happen between this older woman and Kaito.  This was where she reached her breaking point and decided to break in - no pun intended.  Well, teleport in I guess because she catches Kaito by surprise.  In a hurry she urges him to leave with her, but ends up in an argument with the woman. After realizing Ichika's feelings towards Kaito, the woman purposely riles her up . . . and Kaito was still completely clueless. -_- In the end, the lady turns out to be Tetsurou's older sister.  His married sister.  Don't you feel foolish Ichika?

So after embarrassing herself, she apologized to Kaito and promised him a favor.  Taking the opprtunity, he asked her to help him study.  Ugh stupid Kaito.  You should have asked her to be your girlfriend.  She would have said yes! >.<

No matter, he got what he deserved.  Ichika turned out to be a tyrant when it came to studying.

Overall, the epsiode was good.  It looks like there will be more drama from here on out, drama between Kanna and Ichika.  I really liked Kanna in this episode.  She was really trying her best to accept Ichika and Kaito's friendship. It was kind of sad to see.  I have a feeling this anime is going to make me cry at one point.  NUOO!

Winter 2012 Anime Season: First Impressions

ANO NATSU DE MATTERU

First impressions can be deceiving.  This anime started off pretty mellow with a slice of life feel to it and an un-overwhelming amount of fanservice.  Then, holy shit.  Ichika turns out to be an alien and now the whole anime isn't just about romance anymore.  After the first episode, you get a lot more of her alien background and that adorable pet of hers.  You also get a better feel of Kaito's friends and Remon (far right).  I enjoyed watching Remon's character unfold.  She's so evil, it's good.  She's reminds me of Gokou, Ruri from Oreimo.  She's smart and she definitely knows what she's doing.  I wonder what she puts in that dynamite drink.  I think i'll stick with this anime. So far, it's just been a real pleasure to watch.

             [PV]

ANOTHER

This anime gave me the creeps.  In a good way.  The suspense, the mystery, the eerieness!  What a thrill. I am thoroughly enjoying the art and the plot.  Your brain will get a big work out this season just trying to uncover the mystery.  I want to know the truth already!  Let's all make a bet. Whoever's theory proves to be correct, gets a candy :)  And no you cannot read the novels.  I bet that Sakakibara is the one who's been dead all along and died with his mother a while back in some accident or something.  Somehow the Misaki incident has something to do with his mother.  Or, Sakakibara was the one who killed Misaki. Those are about all of my theories so far.  I have some over analyzing to do this season.

             [PV]

DANSHI KOUKOUSEI NO NICHIJOU

Simply hilarious.  It's overwhelming.  You figure it'd be another Kimi to Boku, but turns out you're way off. Its comedy is similar to Kill Me Baby, but this one is worthy of your time.  You couldn't expect any less from three teenage boys in high school.  I recommend you all give this series a go.  

             [PV]

INU X BOKU SS

Meh :/  I thought it was going to be all about drama and romance, but no.  I didn't expect the dog ears, or the Kimono, or the tail, I mean tails.  He looked like that Pokemon with nine tails.  What's its name . . nine tails?? Okay, okay.  Maybe the butler secret service agent didn't look that bad. Dog ears suit him.  And when he cried - KYAA!!  You poor pup D:  If she doesn't want you . . i'll take you.  Who am I kidding?  Of course she wants you. You're a stud.  By now, you can kind of tell why I am going to watch this anime, no?  

             [PV]

KILL ME BABY

Oh ma gaa . . . the OP was annoying enough.  I don't know.  I was kind of in a lousy mood when I started watching. My mood must have influenced my reaction towards the anime, so I decided to watch it on a good day, but nothing changed.  I still found it pretty annoying.  It was slow paced and there wasn't enough comedy to keep me interested.  I'll either drop it or put in on hold for now.  

             [PV]

PAPA NO IUKOTO WO KIKINASAI!

I was looking forward to the comedy here, but it wasn't as silly as I thought.  Of course, there are still 25 episodes left to go and it's still too soon to tell.  I'll watch a few more episodes and decide from there.  I have read other reviews and people are saying that it is very likely to be another Usagi Drop.  I have a good reason to keep on watching then :)

             [PV]

That's all for now.  Don't forget to tell me which anime you will be watching this season!

[Images Source: Zerochan]