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! >.<

Papa no Iu Koto wo Kikinasai 08, 09

Loving PapaKiki!  The story is moving pretty well.  The drama is light and not too intense, which I prefer.  It is surprisingly very bland and drama-less even though it does occasionally have its nice moments.  It is certainly no Usagi Drop.  But that's not a bad thing ;)

The conflict that arose in episode 07 was quickly resolved in episode 08.  It was of no surprise that Hina managed to win the land lady's heart as well.

However, despite having solved the problem rather effortlessly, Yuuta won't always have Hina to hide behind.  So far, we have only gotten a taste of the hardships they will encounter.  Miu and Sora have begun school again and in order to get there, they must now take a 2-3 hour train ride. In episode 09 we get to see them commute and it is already becoming a problem for Miu.

Miu, being the most well-rounded character, has the most trouble adjusting to the schedule.  Sora, on the other hand, seems to have a more positive outlook and is genuinely unaffected.  Having to wake up 2 hours earlier than usual, they must now find the time to finish their homework during school hours in order to use up the rest of the time getting home, but most of that was portrayed with Miu.  She's smart, popular, athletic . . . no wonder she falls asleep in class.  Even though she is quite mature for a 10 year old, she is still a child.  

Being the middle child, she has adult-like, yet child-like traits.  Her childish side was reflected the moment she started yearning for new shoes, she couldn't afford to buy, so it was nice having Nimura there to help mend her tired heart.  Sometimes we just need to spoil a kid ;)

Even though Nimura was wiling to buy her new shoes, it was nice seeing her more mature side brush off his offer and value the thought instead.  In return, Nimura paid for her shoe repair and made her "Cinderella" for the day. Nevertheless, when the clock struck 12(actually 6), the magic had to end. Luckily, Nimura's efforts weren't in vain. In the end, Miu left a little more optimistic.

Presently, it looks like next week's episode will shed some light on Sora.  It might just repeat the same pattern from this episode and eventually there will be one for Yuuta.  In the direction the series is headed, the most climactic scene will probably be when they finally reveal to Hina the truth about her parents. What about Raika? Will she end up marrying Yuuta?  A happily ever after indeed.

The fanservice is also pretty light.  There may have been a few taboo moments here and there, but never that drastic.  It is quite easy to get past that for this series.

Papa no Iukoto wo Kikinasai! 05

Hello there.  I am here to talk/write about the latest episode of PapaKiki.  This is my first episodic review I will be doing for the series - besides first impressions.  I haven't been slacking off or anything(he he).  Well, a little.  But episode after episode I just couldn't get off my lazy butt get my creative brain cells flowing . . . before this episode came along, that is.  All thanks to Hina!  How much cuter can she get?

Hina Luna!

I recently read a post about someone finding Hina to be a cute loli, cute enough to make her his girlfriend. He went on about a possible future where relationships with little girls might even be accepted by society one day and I was just like LOL.  In case you're wondering if that's the case here, no that's not the case here.  This is just a simple observation of mine.  Or is it . . .?

Episode 05 started, once again, with Yuuta heading off to one of his much needed jobs, leaving the girls pretty much defenseless to a call from that perverted club president.  Not only are the girls prone to danger now, but Miu may even have a thing for him.  I guess, he sounds much more charming on the phone.  He's also really good at figuring out what you look like.

Devilish eyes . . . *facepalm.*

That wasn't the highlight of the episode though.  This episode was all about Sora and Yuuta.  It was nice to have more insight about her affection towards him.  Lets recap on that, shall we?  Lets go back, way back, back before the adorable Hina was born . . . and Yuuta was still in middle school.

Are you kidding me?  Is this supposed to be him in middle school?!

The suit must be playing tricks on me.  Anyway, it turns out that he wasn't such a bad guy back then either. One of Sora's most treasured memories of Yuuta was the day he helped her with a knee injury by offering her a band aid.  I guess that would explain her attitude towards him after all these years. Afterwards, a dramatic scene played out, similar to the memory of her falling and scraping her knee, as she hurried home to escape the rain. Once again, she falls and immediately thinks of Yuuta.  Luckily, Yuuta comes to save the day and so ends the most climactic event.

"Oniichan."

Unless you prefer to call this the climax.  You lolicon pervs are spoiled too much!

Thoughts:

The series is definitely progressing after each episode.  I have grown to love it.  Even though Usagi Drop is a favorite of mine, they are both very special and charming in its own way.  Not only is it lighthearted, but insanely funny as well.  I hope we get to see more of Raika and her violent ways. Seeing her beat the crap out of that club president always turns my frown upside down.  She's an S!

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]

Winter '11-12 Anime ~ My Top Five, Specials, Etc.

It's that time of year again!!  Time to dwell in the winter season and prepare for the new up and coming anime series!!

Visual Guide and Anime Listing - via moetron.

How exciting!  I've been waiting for the new batch of anime to arrive.  But as exciting as it may be, I can't help but feel overwhelmed by so many series. -_-  Slow down on them deliveries will you? So I narrowed my picks down to five. ^-^

Papa no Iu Koto wo Kikinasai!

Papa no Iu Koto wo Kikinasai!  Is a slapstick comedy - hold it!  SLAPSTICK?!  I gotta see this!  The word slapstick reminds me of Ika Musume and you just gotta love that squid girl!  I just hope it slaps me with enough exaggerated comedy to make me ROFL!!

Kill Me Baby

Kill Me Baby has a strangely familiar character design.  It reminds me of Lucky Star . . . hmm. Which got me thinking it could be as good too.  If not, i'll settle for the awesome weaponry.  It looks like she's about to go Kill Bill on yo a**!  I wonder if they wield huge guns . . . 

PV: Here

Inu x Boku SS

Gotta have some romance this winter!  This series looks intense, so I doubt it'll be very innocent. Be forewarned. I have a feeling it will have a Yaoi level of intimacy, not sure.  Whether it will or not is something I am bound to find out. And for those of you who've never seen Yaoi - it's pretty intense!  

PV: Here

Another

Scary stuff *gulp.*  I haven't watched mystery in a while or do I dare say it . . . horror!  But, I wouldn't mind getting creeped out every now and then this upcoming season.  Maybe that will keep my mind off the weather.

PV: Here

and Black Rock Shooter

Since the time I watched the OVA, this anime has been on my mind.  The flaming blue eye, the epic action scenes, and let's not forget the big guns!  I am very curious to know how it will turn out.  I believe this is the first anime i'll see, that wasn't based on a manga - or to be more precise, a kick ass Supercell song! I enjoy Supercell's song and hope that they use that song for the OP.  Congrats Miku!  You will open for an epic series!~

PV: Here

Specials and Ova's ~

Usagi Drop Specials

Aw . . who doesn't like Usagi Drop?  The first special was adorable and I am looking forward to specials 6.5 and 8.5. This anime does a great job at portraying a fun and positive view of parenthood.  But even if you're not a parent yourself, I recommend you watch it because I believe it will connect with you in one way or another. Seriously, if you don't watch it you are really missing out. 

K-ON! (Movie)

It looks like the girls are taking a little trip this winter.  I can't wait for the theatrical release!  Too bad it's not being released anywhere near where I am.  Still, i'll wait until the day it hits media everywhere!  I enjoyed the series so much and the music was great.  It has been dearly missed and this release will commemorate my love for K-ON! 

Watch K-ON! movie trailers HERE.

Any thoughts on this up and coming anime season?  What series are on your list?

Happy blogging!