Currently Watching (Spring 2011 Edition) [Archive]

Suwako Moriya

04-01-2011, 08:56 AM

Reply to this sub thread if you have a link to either a new series starting in Spring or one continuing into the Spring season that may have been missed here.

Note in the case of continuations, I am not going to include series that are ending in only a couple of episodes. I'm thinking more along the lines of shows that will have a second cour worth of episodes.

Finally, I don't watch everything. So I don't always know if a series is has actually ended or is still going to be airing several more episodes.

New Series
A-Channel (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showpost.php?p=1923853&postcount=1) Nichijou (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showpost.php?p=1915612&postcount=1) Suite Precure (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showpost.php?p=1895608&postcount=1) Hanasaku Iroha (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showpost.php?p=1924279&postcount=1) Dog Days (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showpost.php?p=1924289&postcount=1) Steins;Gate (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showpost.php?p=1924317&postcount=1) Aria the Scarlet Ammo (Hidan no Aria) (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showpost.php?p=1924328&postcount=1) Jewel Pet Sunshine (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showpost.php?p=1924338&postcount=1) X Men (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showpost.php?p=1924767&postcount=1) Tiger and Bunny (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showpost.php?p=1925418&postcount=1) Sengoku Otome (Battle Girls) (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showpost.php?p=1925752&postcount=1) Ore-tachi ni Tsubasa wa Nai (Without Wings -under the innocent sky-) (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showpost.php?p=1925793&postcount=1) Toriko (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showpost.php?p=1926410&postcount=1) Sket Dance (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showpost.php?p=1926410&postcount=1) Sofuteni (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showpost.php?p=1927242&postcount=1) 30-sai no Hoken Taiiku (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showpost.php?p=1928034&postcount=1) Hen Zemi (Abnormal Physiology Seminar) (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showpost.php?p=1928041&postcount=1) Astarotte's Toy / Lotte no Omocha (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showpost.php?p=1928326&postcount=1) Dororon Enma-kun Meeramera (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showpost.php?p=1928609&postcount=1) The World God Only Knows 2 (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showpost.php?p=1928685&postcount=1) Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showpost.php?p=1929086&postcount=1) Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae o Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showpost.php?p=1930175&postcount=1) Yondemasuyo, Azazel-san (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showpost.php?p=1929858&postcount=1) Hoshizora e Kakeru Hashi (A Bridge to the Starry Skies) (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showpost.php?p=1930218&postcount=1) Deadman Wonderland (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showpost.php?p=1930655&postcount=1) Blue Exorcist (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showpost.php?p=1930663&postcount=1) C - The Money of Soul and Possibility Control (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showpost.php?p=1930715&postcount=1) Moshidora (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showpost.php?p=1933340&postcount=1) Pretty Rhythm Aurora Dream (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showpost.php?p=1933432&postcount=1)

Continuing Series
Gosick (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showpost.php?p=1883822&postcount=1) Gosick (Spoilertastic Version) (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showpost.php?p=1883852&postcount=1) Cardfight!! Vanguard (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showpost.php?p=1884702&postcount=1) Beelzebub (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showpost.php?p=1882829&postcount=1) Fairy tail (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showthread.php?t=103468)

Westlo

04-01-2011, 06:11 PM

Making new threads for shows that will be starting up soon, was going to do some more.. but the other shows I'm interested in (Denpa, C, KamiNomi II, Ao no Exorcist and Moshidora) start in over 10 days time so I'll just wait until they get closer to air date.

I'll do Sket Dance in a few days if no one else has. You should also add Beelzebub to continuing.. and I guess Fairy Tail is still going to.

gnikdrazil

04-01-2011, 06:12 PM

Samurai 7 (1-10) - This is just a wonderful, mature, entertaining series. I watched it on demand when I had Comcast and revisiting the series is a blast. I was completely worried about the quality of the animation when episode 7 started. I thought it was going to be like that throughout the episode, but thankfully it returned to higher standards once the action began. I just hope the quality doesn't dip that bad again.

EmperorBrandon

04-01-2011, 09:41 PM

Murder Princess (1-6)
For an extremely random "Oh, what the heck, I'll try this out" watch (thought I was only going to be sampling a few episodes at first), this was actually a really enjoyable series. I liked the interactions of the the two female leads. I also didn't mind the story cliches either though the ending annoyed me with many of the cool characters just going "poof" with little buildup to that. I expect the body switch thing would remain at the end and that not being concluded didn't really bother me at all.

something

04-03-2011, 06:15 AM

2/21/11 update (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showpost.php?p=1906228&postcount=38)

Been way too long since my last update. Imports are locked in stone now though.

R2 Import Tier
(01)　　Hourou Musuko - ▲1 - 11 eps / complete - Wow, it really has been a long time since I updated. How can I even sum up how good the final six episodes were? I suppose the show's rank says enough, even if it may only be temporary. I don't like how they compressed 10 and 11 into one episode for broadcast, but only the idea; the execution was still very solid. I'm used a lot of glowing superlatives and other praises to describe this show before, but the most common have been beautiful and gorgeous. And that's what it is, a beautiful investigation of gender and personality and love at a most delicate time. Beautiful too in its art, beautiful in its characters. While her role was slightly less than I'd have liked in the final episodes, Saori remains my #1 character of the season, bar none. She's complex, complicated, devastatingly pretty, the bearer of self-inflicted wounds and possessor of a dangerously sharp tongue. I soaked up her every word, every mean remark, every awkward attempt to make things right when they went wrong. She's just... just an amazing character in every conceivable way. Just as amazing as this show. [Import - Guaranteed.]

(02)　　Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica - ▼1 - 10 eps - We got SHAFTed! The earthquake would completely explain a week delay - even two - but obviously Shaft is now milking this for all it's worth and we still don't have episode 11. No matter though I suppose - if any episode was going to be one to leave off on for a hiatus, episode 10 was the best possible. What a stunning episode of anime - easily among the absolute best I've seen. A trumph of packing plot and character development an answers to mysteries in 24 minutes of the most incredible storytelling I've seen. Of course, the other episodes since my last update were amazing too. But 10 just blows it all away. I can't wait to see how the final two episodes will play out... although I'll have to for a little while longer at least. [Import - Guaranteed.]

(03)　　Yumekui Merry - ◄0► - 10 eps - I wanted to watch 11-12 before I posted (13 not available yet) but didn't get the chance. Maybe tomorrow. I'm extremely impressed by this show right now though, after a bit of slippage around episode 6. It's come back very strong and is a solid 9 for me right now. A competent ending will confirm that. Needs more of the catgirls though! And while Yui hasn't been lacking, I need moooore of her. <3 [Import - Guaranteed, Vol. 1 in hand.]

(04)　　Kore wa Zombie Desu ka? - ▲1 - 12 eps / complete - Up to episode 8 I was kind o awed at how good this was. After episodes 9 and 10 I almost wrote it off as another casualty of Plot Syndrome and crappy villains. And then 11-12 totally turned things back around and finished us out with some fantastic, fantastic anime. I love the full-episode epilogue (more like fanservice bonus ep) with a sweet epilogue at the end. I finished this right after Fractale, and that confirmed my decision: this gets the fourth import instead. Weighing in its favor is not just that it was more satisfying but also that Fractale is a self-contained story and won't see a sequel, while Zombie is very clearly hinting at one - if, left unsaid but still clear, sales are enough. My money has more potential to do good with this show than with Fractale. But really, I'm hoping it was planned split-cour and we get confirmation soon... [Import - Guaranteed.]

Second Tier
(05)　　Fractale - ▼1 - 11 eps / complete - Ah, the potential... I watched it drain away. I wasn't negative on the ending, actually. I thought it was pretty good, and it left me more or less satisfied. But was I satisfied because it was genuinely good or because after episode 10 I was expecting a total trainwreck? Hmm. Either way, it lost its import spot to Zombie, which I finished directly after and liked more. Obviously, Fractale isn't a bad show. But as strangefour put it, in the end it wound up being a 7/10 show with a 9/10 character named Nessa. Sounds about right - I ended up giving it an 8.

(06)　　Gosick - ◄0► - 10 eps - Not a lot to say about this one, and since it's two cour I don't feel compelled to analyze it much right now. Victorique is adorable and amazing and Kujou is a dolt and as long as they focus on the former I'm definitely along for the ride.

(07)　　Rio -Rainbow Gate!- - ▲2 - 13 eps / complete - Started to stumble badly when it got far too serious with Rio's insecurities and the toll the gate battles were taking - but saved things spectacularly at the end by embracing absurdity and drawing on all its strengths. Really awesome ending to a show better than it had any right to be. Very glad I didn't drop it when it got tediously serious a little ways back.

(08)　　Onii-chan no Koto Nanka Zenzen Suki janain Dakara ne!! - ▼1 - 8 eps - Wow am I ever behind on this. There's no question about me finishing it though, it's quite amusing. I'll see what kind of dent I can make in the backlog tomorrow.

Third tier
(09)　　Dragon Crisis! - ▼1 - 9 eps - Kinda stopped caring, but it's not bad. The horror episode was surprisingly creepy - quite effective. I'll try to finish it tomorrow, but Onii-chan, Merry and OreImo 13 have priority. Especially that last.

Fourth tier
(10)　　Freezing - ◄0► - 9 eps - Would drop it if I were more behind, but I'd say about 50% odds I'll go back and finish it. There's a good chance Spring will overwhelm me and this will fall by the wayside though.

OVAs, Specials, other oddities
Fairy Tail - Fall '09 / 70 eps - Godly end to the Oracion Seis arc, but I'm not feeling the filler arc that's following it. Mostly because even without touching the manga I could very clearly tell this was filler. I don't think filler is automatically bad but this one doesn't quite work. I don't get the sense its going anywhere so I have trouble motivating myself. I'll catch up though because I love this show overall.
Suite Precure - Winter '11 / 5 eps - Caught up, but I think I'm two behind again. It's still fun. And very gay. Villains are godawful though. =/
Yutori-chan - Spring '10 / 10 eps - ;_; ...But, I may be able to finish it soon, amazingly!
Ore no Imouto ga Konna ni Kawaii Wake ga Nai Episode 12/True Route - Fall '10 / 1 bonus ep - I ended up liking how they didn't branch from later in the episode, and instead totally redid it from the start. We're on our True Route now, and it's time to see how it'll end! Ep 13 tomorrow for me.
K-ON!! Episode 27 - Spring '10 / bonus ep - The final episode of K-ON! as a television series, and it was as awesome as ever. I viewed this episode very differently from the other "endings" I've had with this show. Those gave me a great sense of closure - this episode has me excited for what's to come. With the manga restarting (times two!), the movie, and prospects for a third anime season looking extremely good in late 2012 or perhaps 2013, K-ON! is far from over. I wonder how many more CDs they'll get out of me in the end...

Ranking on hold
None

Dropped:
Level E - 3 eps - Yeah, it's official now.
Infinite Stratos - 1 ep
Beezlebub - 1 ep

Still need/plan to try (may not have aired):
None

(Blah blah disclaimer, the number on a tier is not at all indicative of a show's absolute quality, merely its quality relative to the other shows on the list).

So one show drops out of import-tier and another fills its place anyway. :sd: Catching up on Merry is a big priority for me right now, but it's not like ep 13 is out yet anyway.

Westlo

04-03-2011, 07:05 AM

Dog Days was alright but I'm totally surprised @ how much I enjoyed X-Men as well as Tiger and Bunny, I don't like to give scores after one episode but they would be @ around 8/10 atm. Considering those two shows weren't even on my radar at all this season is really shaping up well. Only checked them out because nothing else was out yet...

Glamrgrl104

04-03-2011, 01:33 PM

Welcome to the NHK discs 3&4- It was better the 2nd time watching it for some reason probably bc I didn't have to wait for ads and such lol

Code Geass 1 st season discs 1-3- This is still one of my favs the action, the plot, and the intrigue makes me not want to stop watching.

Buckeye

04-05-2011, 10:54 AM

Here is my plan for anime series that I intend to watch this season. First off, the ongoing series:

Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood (starting from 39)
Bleach (starting from 191)
Kekkaishi (starting from 41)
Pokemon (Rest of Sinnoh League and the beginning of Black & White)
Puella Magi Madoka Magica (episodes 11-12)
Fractale (episodes 8-11)Now for newly watched stuff from the beginning that I at least plan on checking out:

B Gata H Kei
Clannad After Story
Otome Youkai Zakuro
Familiar of Zero season 3
Kore wa Zombie Desu
Shattered Angels
Nichijou
Oretachi ni Tsubasa wa Nai -Under the Innocent Sky
Steins Gate
Sengoku Otome
Tiger & Bunny

Lastly, I plan to rewatch the first season of K-On! as my BD's are coming in. Right now, I am watching B Gata H Kei and as soon as Clannad After Story arrives, I will be watching that next.

pianocello

04-06-2011, 01:30 AM

pianocello

04-07-2011, 08:30 PM

Currently watching (episodes watched up to in brackets):
Outstanding
None

Very Good
Ghost Stories (10)
Despite the dated animation, the horror and the shocks does occasionally work though I hope they will start deviating from the ghost-of-the-week format.

Good
Legend of the Legendary Heroes (1)
Seems a little cliche but reasonably entertaining enough at this point.

Dragon Crisis! (1)
The female characters are great and the story looks like it could go somewhere. Only problem is - I hate male leads who freak out at the slightest hint of female nudity and this male lead really annoys me.

Average
None

Below Average
Tamayura (finished)
This should have been a winner for me - lots of moe girls and decent animation. It's hard to pinpoint exactly what went wrong but I found this extremely tedious and boring.

Buckeye

04-07-2011, 09:41 PM

Right now, I am watching B Gata H Kei and as soon as Clannad After Story arrives, I will be watching that next.

As the first show completed during this season, I just finished up with B Gata H Kei. In this show, Yamada was putting up a clinic on how not to engage in a sexual relationship. Those moments where Yamada's attempt at being ecchi fail were funny. And having an erogod makes it enjoyable to watch. Overall, it is decent in its own right, but not exactly something I would remember for a long time.

Now that this show is finished and that Clannad After Story arrived today that I will be watching that next. In the meantime, I am writing short reviews of all the anime I saw during the winter season.

Glamrgrl104

04-07-2011, 10:45 PM

Hamtaro!- Discs 1&2- Well I picked up this title. It is hard not to watch more of these cute cuddly hamsters, but enough procrastinating I have a math test tomorrow :C

Will finish Code Geass this weekend.

cress2000

04-08-2011, 11:32 AM

Clannad ~After Story~ (1-22 + bonus + recap + Another World Kyou) A+
Powerful as expected, even though I was spoiled.

Of the arcs in the first third of the series, Sunohara's was definitely my favorite. We see some sides of the characters we don't see in season 1 which made me feel a little nervous at times. And I just about reached boiling point at seeing Mei get insulted.

Nagisa's death didn't just bring tears, it had me sobbing. To kill a likable main character in such a moving way after nearly forty episodes was soul-crushing. I knew it was coming and all, but execution is just about everything.

What I didn't see coming was Ushio dying as well. We only got to see her for a precious few episodes, but, her death, combined with Tomoya's despair and total breakdown was also incredibly depressing. He had absolutely nothing left to live for.

I can't help but feel that the ending that followed seemed a little cheap and tacked on after everything that happened. At the end of the tragedy, Tomoya's mind, memories intact, is just suddenly warped to a parallel world where everything goes right starting at Ushio's birth. Still, it seems to tie into those imaginary world segments played throughout the series which I haven't completely worked out yet.

Anyway, my mom loves Nagisa and I wonder how she's going to handle all the tragedy in this season.

Another World Kyou was so-so. One episode just ain't enough, period. But I think I liked Tomoyo's Another World a little bit more.

something

04-08-2011, 12:00 PM

[Clannad ending stuff]
It's... a bit complicated, especially after the game > anime transition. I'd recommend skimming the discussion threads we've had for more details (and a place where you can do this kind of mega-spoilery discussion without huge spoiler tags). It's not as simple as you laid it out here.

Not that I don't understand your confusion, I mean the first time I finished the last episode I was seriously not getting one very important thing and thought the ending a bit flawed. Thankfully on a rewatch, knowing what I had missed, it was perfect. A rewatch is actually fairly important for this show if, like me, you haven't played the original visual novel. It really helps sort out the Illusionary World segments and a bit of the timeline.

gnikdrazil

04-09-2011, 07:22 AM

Samurai 7 (11-26) - Excellent series to rewatch. It got me to tear up in the final episode.

Up Next ... Aria the Animation

njchobitsfan

04-09-2011, 03:36 PM

Currently watching Mitsudomoe Season 1 and I'm busting a gut, (funniest show I've watched since Minami-ke), Hanasaku Iroha which looks to be one of the best this new season and Ore-tachi ni Tsubasa wa nai which I don't have a handle on just yet on where it's going, (especially after watching that ED). I plan to check out Hoshizora e Kakaru Hashi, Astarotte's Toy ,Tiger & Bunny, and possibly Dororon Enma-kun Meeramera.

Buckeye

04-09-2011, 08:09 PM

Now that this show is finished and that Clannad After Story arrived today that I will be watching that next. In the meantime, I am writing short reviews of all the anime I saw during the winter season.
And I just finished with Clannad After Story, and it was a masterpiece. The first season had great stories, but things were kind of all over the place. This season focuses mainly on Tomoya and Nagisa, and the development was off the charts. Key knows how to turn visual novels into great anime unlike several other such novels that rely on the usual traps.

Now that I finished this series, time to finish up Fractale.

something

04-09-2011, 08:49 PM

1/30/11 update! (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showthread.php?p=1895835#post1895835)

Final ranking for fall! I've finished SRW and Bakuman tonight, which means I'm done with fall (since i eventually gave up and dropped Arakawa)

R2 Import Tier
(01)　　Ore no Imouto ga Konna ni Kawaii Wake ga Nai - ◄0► - 12 eps / complete [Import - Already ordered.]

(02)　　Otome Youkai Zakuro - ◄0► - 13 eps / complete [Import - Already ordered.]

(03)　　Shinryaku! Ikamusume - ◄0► - 12 eps / complete [Import - Already ordered.]

Second Tier
(04)　　Heartcatch Precure (cour 4 - or 3.5+4 really) - ◄0► - 17 eps (49 total) / complete

(05)　　Bakuman - ▲1 - 15 eps - Ahh is this really better than Kaminomi, or does it just have the advantage of being longer and more recently concluded and thus fresher? I don't know, probably the latter, but I gave it a 9 like Kaminomi and look forward to the second season a little bit more than Kaminomi's. Mashiro and Miho's very very frustrating relationship is the one real black mark on an otherwise fantastic series. And even that, hopefully, will be on more solid ground in season two. Everything came together here beautifully, and Kaya is far and away my favorite character. She was always there to stop Takagi and Mashiro from getting too absorbed in their obsessions. For Takagi especially, she was a great, reliable emotional anchor. The case of characters outside of the two main couples was by and large very well developed as well. I particularly liked Niizuma and Hattori by the end. And Miho's sister and mother need waaaay more scenes. Bakuman did a wonderful job making every wait for a phone call from the editor feel intense and meaningful, and it played up the whole "otoko no roman" theme without seeming juvenile or overly dreamy-eyed. I completely bought into everyone's intense passion for manga and cannot wait to see how things play out in season two.

(06)　　Kami Nomi zo Shiru Sekai - ▼1 - 12 eps / complete

(07)　　Fortune Arterial - ◄0► - 12 eps / complete

(08)　　Super Robot Taisen OG: The Inspector - ▲3 - 16 eps - Ahhh, a curse of having too many characters is that my favorites just don't get enough screen time. But things really kicked up a notch in the final episodes. I think the reason I'm having this jump so much is because the final episode was really damn solid, and overall this show has the best-animated mecha battles I've seen since Gundam 00 S2. Well, okay, I'm not sure if I can recall any major mecha battles in any anime I've watched since Gundam 00 S2, but it was really good anyway! There are a lot of characters in the cast that I like, which Is uppose should be expected for its size... but in particular: Schine, Alfimi, Excellen, Lamia, Kusuha, Ratsel, Gilliam, Latooni, and Shuu, probably in that order. And yes, I can guarantee I'm missing someone... or many someones. Episode 10 is still far and away the best episode. FINAL BREAK~desuwa! But the last episode is probably second. Overall, solid 8.

(09)　　Tegami Bachi Reverse - ▼1 - 25 eps / complete - A disappointing ending, but overall a very good season. The ending wasn't even bad per se, it was just exceptionally generic. If they'd stuck that ending on the end of season one, I wouldn't have cared since my expectations were low, but up until right near the end, Reverse had been very strong. But then they end it with a magical one-shot and happily-ever-after without resolving most of the fundamental problems... ah well. Strong season overall, gets an 8 from me.

(10)　　Sora no Otoshimono: Forte - ▼1 - 12 eps / complete

Third tier
(11)　　MM! - ▼1 - 12 eps / complete

(12)　　Hakuouki Hekketsu-roku - ◄0► - 10 eps / complete - A bit rushed at the end. Like I said in the discussion thread, the show's understandable desire to align itself with real historical events ended up backfiring somewhat - the final episodes were just all over the place, literally, with how they jumped from battle to battle, with Toshi and Chizuru saying the same things before each one. The very ending was also... weird. Just not well paced. Solid series overall, though. Gave it a 7.

(13)　　Tantei Opera Milky Holmes - ◄0► - 12 eps / complete

(14)　　Hyakka Ryouran Samurai Girls - ◄0► - 12 eps / complete

OVAs, Specials, other oddities
Continued in later seasons

Ranking on hold
None

Dropped:
Arakawa Under the Bridge x Bridge - 6 eps - I could go back and finish it, but to be honest I've got other things to do. I'd probably enjoy it, but not enough to warrant the needed time.
Motto To LOVE-Ru - 7 eps
Yumeiro Pâtissière SP Professional - 7 eps
To Aru Majutsu no Index II - 7 eps
Yosuga no Sora - 3 eps
Kuragehime - 2 eps
Togainu no Chi - 2 eps
Star Driver - 1 ep
Shinrei Tantei Yakumo - 1 ep

Still need/plan to try (may not have aired):
None

(Blah blah disclaimer, the number on a tier is not at all indicative of a show's absolute quality, merely its quality relative to the other shows on the list).

A stronger season than I thought it'd be. No 10/10s but fully five 9/10s. Not counting Heartcatch, which was a 9 in its final stretch but 8 overall.

Curiously, Fall 2009 was similar. No 10's, but one series at top that was close. I'm not sure which season was better.

Draneor

04-10-2011, 07:25 AM

I had a couple friends over this weekend, so movie time!

The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya: Wow, that was long. It was basically a flawless adaption, so I don't really have anything to say I didn't say about the novel (if I said something about it). I particularly liked how they animated Kyon's internal thoughts towards the end. The subtitles on the HK version were not as bad as I had heard (due to the formatting issue).

Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha: the Movie: the animation was great, and I probably should buy the OST. Seven Arcs basically cut all the fat and left only the important scenes. While I think it was an improvement over the first season (of which I found the fist half exceedingly boring at times), I think Fate's story did not have as much of an emotional impact because they were no down-scenes. But yeah. Friendship! The English subtitles were surprisingly well. Sigh. Why can't all Japanese movie BDs have these?

Buckeye

04-10-2011, 10:58 AM

Now that I finished this series, time to finish up Fractale.
And I just finished Fractale. Nice short series by Noitamina and it has very nice visuals and everything. The characters are certainly interesting and the storyline is well-established.

Otome Youkai Zakuro is coming up next.

pianocello

04-10-2011, 07:56 PM

Currently watching (episodes watched up to in brackets):
Outstanding
None

Very Good
Dragon Crisis! (5)
Once Ryuji stopped acting emo, this show got better (though he's still rather blah). The female characters are the main hook in this show.

To Aru Majutsu no Index II (3)
I actually prefer Railgun with its yuri hijinks but this show is still a step above most other anime. They really seem to be trying hard to cater to those with a nun fetish in the current storyline.

Ghost Stories (14)
I hope they start to have continuous storyline soon rather than the ghost-of-the-week format.

Good
Legend of the Legendary Heroes (3)
It's decent enough at this point to continue, I guess.

Average and below
None

Glamrgrl104

04-12-2011, 06:44 PM

Hamtaro Discs3-6-finished- aww justmakesyouhappy. I wish they would release all of it in R1.

Code Geass S1 finished-brilliant as ever.I might pick up S2 later.

CaseCLOSED-S1-S3- This series is addicting although some episodes are kind of boring to rewatch so I skip over those. Will finish S4 tonight possibly.

gnikdrazil

04-14-2011, 09:20 PM

Aria the Animation (1-13) – Cute series but not my cup of tea. I wanted to try a slice of life, and this series has good word of mouth. I just couldn't get into its relaxing mode so it bored me. I was surprised with the beginning just jumping into the series. No introductory episodes for a couple of the characters or explanations like how did Akari and Aika meet. I don't see myself buying the second and third seasons.

Up Next... More Dragon Ball Kai and Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood

ibby

04-15-2011, 04:04 AM

His and Her Circumstances (Up to Episode 7 of 26)
I never watched this series before, but glad I picked up the DVD's. Really love Yukino Miyazawa personality, and the side characters.

Les Miserables Shoujo Cosette (Up to Episode 15 of 52)
I'm really into this series right now, though I have to keep reminding myself to limit my anime to an hour a day. Cosette is so cute, and has a heart of gold, thank god she left the her caretakers.

Mononoke (Up to Episode 2 of 12)
I mainly got into this series because of the director (Kenji Nakamura), and it's fantastic. As this series is based on arc's, I have to keep on watching otherwise I'll forget what happened in the previous episode.

Legend of Galactic Heroes (Up to Episode 6 of 110)
I'm determined to fhinish this series, though so far it's a good scifi series dealing with two sides of a war. Good old school stuff.

Macross (Up to Episode 27 of 36)
It was really interesting seeing the way Misa and Hikaru's relationship developed so far. Can't wait to see the episodes post space war.

Princess Tutu (Up to Episode 14 of 26)
So far it has been an intresting ride so far. Really glad I found this series of sale on the cheap, because I really like how ballet has played a role in the series. Needs more Neko Sensai!

Buckeye

04-15-2011, 07:52 AM

Otome Youkai Zakuro is coming up next.
And I just finished watching Otome Youkai Zakuro last night. As my first shoujo title of the year that I watched, it is quite a nice series to watch. It has been a long time since I last watched a shoujo title as just about everything coming out these days are either shounen or seinen. It helps that the bishonen look like they were drawn by the same artist as Ouran with Kei looking like Tamaki, Ganryu looking like Haruhi (and this time, it's really a boy), and Riken looking like Mori. And then there are the half-spirits, each of them adding a lot to the story. It started out slow, but then picked up nicely leading up to the big revelation. Overall, I enjoyed it and was well into it at the end.

Kore wa Zombie Desu ka? is up next.

EmperorBrandon

04-15-2011, 05:44 PM

And I just finished watching Otome Youkai Zakuro last night. As my first shoujo title of the year that I watched, it is quite a nice series to watch. It has been a long time since I last watched a shoujo title as just about everything coming out these days are either shounen or seinen.

Otome Youkai Zakuro runs in a seinen magazine, not shoujo.

Glamrgrl104

04-15-2011, 10:08 PM

Case closed S4 & 5- I love this series I wish someone would license the rest if not just the rest of the movies after the 6th one.

Well moved on to Case closed Episode 132- I will have to live with eng sub.

I was thinking about watching the movies this weekend, but I also want to get caught up to that point because they introduce new characters you are like who is that. lol

Buckeye

04-17-2011, 10:28 AM

Kore wa Zombie Desu ka? is up next.

And I just finished that last night. Just another harem anime, I guess. Except that it's not exactly been there, done that. There were some pretty great moments in this anime as well as things I could never imagine happening, like Ayumu becoming a magical girl even though he is a guy, and having a girl who chooses not to talk. Certainly it was interesting to watch Sera beating up on Ayumu and Haruna getting all tsundere. When it is funny, it is good. But then again, the character development is why it's just another harem.

Next up, I will watch the third season of Familiar of Zero. I watched the first season two years ago, and then the second season last December. I have been meaning to watch this season, but I keep forgetting to do so.

pianocello

04-17-2011, 10:40 AM

Currently watching (episodes watched up to in brackets):
Outstanding
None

Very Good
Fractale (2)
The setting and character designs remind me of Sora no Woto. I'm liking this but am a little wary about how it's going to develop since most people seem rather negative on that.

Star Driver (2)
This is the spritual successor to Sousei no Aquarion with its over-the-top ridiculousness and absurdity. None of the story makes any sense to me at this point but it's good for a laugh and the regular fanservice is certainly welcome.

To Aru Majutsu no Index II (5)
Compared to Railgun, this spends too much time focusing on explaining about how the setting of the world works. Still, the production values are good and Touma at least isn't afraid to punch a loli.

Ghost Stories (16)
I think the scares are effective but are they ever going to start having a continous storyline leading to the end?

Good
Legend of the Legendary Heroes (4)
It's decent enough for a watch but I'm not really sold on this yet.

Kore wa Zombie Desu ka (1)
The frequent fanservice was welcome but it's still too early to tell if I will like this.

Onichan no koto (1)
The whole "we're not really related" angle is disappointing and the character designs are odd but Nao's determination is amusing enough to keep me watching.

Dragon Crisis! (finished)
Just when I thought this would be great, the final arc had to be a bit of a letdown. The show should focus more on Ai.

Average
None

Below Average
Super Robot Wars OG (1)
While I'm not crazy about that genre, I usually don't have a problem with mecha because usually those shows ranging from Macross to Star Driver usually focus on building character development and interactions first. While the title should have warned me, I checked this show because some of the character designs in screenshots looked rather hot. This show plows straight into a mecha fight and then spends the rest of the episode with endless mecha fights occasionally interrupted by exposition on the story. Bad idea since this is alienating to non-mechaheads. It's sad when the best thing about this is the ED.

Memphis

04-17-2011, 11:27 AM

Trigun
It's been forever since I've watched this. The last episode I watched was "Diablo", my personal favorite simply because of Legato's 1st appearance. I don't know why but I always thought that it was the 7th episode when Legato first came into everything. In any case, to me, Johnny Young Bosch voice is at it's best in this series. I was looking for a similar range for his Ichigo but was pretty disappointed.

Basilisk
Originally I was having volumes shipped from Blockbuster but now that it's on demand I don't really have any more need for it. The first 5 episodes are on demand and I plan on recording them... I'm still stuck in my VHS ways.

Le Chevalier
I haven't started watching this yet, but like Basilisk and Trigun, it's on demand. I'm fairly curious about this series considering I see that it's done by the same folks that did Ghost in the Shell: SAC and Moribito. I hear the animation is top notch and the characters are good, and considering I've been looking for something new to watch, this would be something to check out.

Glamrgrl104

04-17-2011, 02:29 PM

Case closed Episode 133- Brilliant this series just gets better.

Case Closed The Last Wizard of the century, Captured in her eyes, and Countdown to Heaven- Well decided to watch all my case closed movies; I never get tired of them.

something

04-17-2011, 10:14 PM

Hooray, Spring is here. And, a little belated, I finally checked out at least one episode of everything that was a definite (plus a few more besides). Only a couple remain, but I've watched 20 episodes of anime this season so I'm well on my way.

There's a surprising percentage of shows *not* on my radar this season - lots of sequels, something like 9-10 of the ones I'm skipping are even if you ignore kiddy shows - but there's so damn many that I still have a great list. And a scary number of potential imports.

Potential R2 Import Tier
(01)　　Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko - ◄NEW► - 1 ep - Hands down the best first episode of the season. I don't know if it can stay this good throughout the entire run, but if it does it's got first, and an import, locked in. The animation is absolutely exquisite, and even people who have Shaftophobia ought to be able to take the visual style in stride. It's still quirky (and thank goodness!) but not quite as relentlessly out there, visually, as some others. Erio herself is just breathtakingly gorgeous, and that final scene sealed the deal for me. A fun OP, fantastic dialogue writing, beautiful animation, interesting premise, acceptable male lead... very very very very excited about this show. [Import - Very likely.]

(02)　　Nichijou - ◄NEW► - 3 eps - No surprise here, it's every bit as hilarious and well animated as you'd expect from KyoAni. Their dedication to top notch production values even for a simple gag comedy is impressive as always - and the execution here is predictably top-tier. I can't choose between Mio and Nano for my favorite character yet - in fact I love everyone so far, even Yuuko who would generally not be my type, at least not to the extent of the others. The silly non-sequiter inserts (janken, jump rope, Helvetica Standard) keep things flowing very nicely as we transition from segment to segment. [Import - Guaranteed!]

(03)　　Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae wo Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai - ◄NEW► - 1 ep - Stunning... and heartwrenching. This is absolutely going to be the emotional powerhouse of the season, I have no doubt about it. I'm probably inflating its position a bit, as there are other shows I like better at this point, but I can practically taste the potential in this one. noitaminA is on a serious tear lately... Hourou was one of the best things I've ever seen, and while Fractale fell far short of its potential, it had the lovely Nessa. Now we have this and the wonderfully bizarre C. Good stuff. They might even be able to translate that into sales finally, with AnoHana! Can Menma do what Nessa could not? [Import - Very likely.]

(04)　　Hanasaku Iroha - ◄NEW► - 3 eps - Gorgeous character designs, and gorgeous art in general. PA Works' prettiest title by far, and probably the most immediately attractive of the season, although Nichijou and Denpa are at least as impressive, in different ways. As for whether it'll be their best... I'd be a little surprised if I like it more than Angel Beats!, although I really hope it's more consistent in its writing quality at least. Ohana is very likable and the sooner she befriends the rest of the staff, the better. Edit: Just watched ep three before posting this. Fuck yes this show is amazing. [Import - It was a top three lock until I watched Denpa and AnoHana today. I've given up on the idea of keeping down to three this season... so this is very likely.]

(05)　　Steins;Gate - ◄NEW► - 2 eps - Hard to talk about a show when I have no idea where it's going, but Hanazawa Kana fuck yeah! I also enjoy Okarin as the lead guy, because sometimes paranoid nutcases are fun. And mmm, yummy gel banana! Also, major points for bringing Momoi Haruko out. I miss her so much it hurts. ;_; I was a little cautious about what the gore level might get to, but I'm not seeing anything to be concerned about so far. And hell, I made it through an episode of Deadman Wonderland, didn't I? [Import - Very possible, but that would be three two cour series this season, ouch.]

Five... and there are a bunch in 2nd tier that could jump very very easily. So much for limits.

Second Tier
(06)　　Oretachi ni Tsubasa wa Nai - ◄NEW► - 2 eps - Completely fucking bizarre, in a season where strangeness is quite well represented (Denpa, Nichijou, Steins, this, C...). Absolutely not a "typical" visual novel adaptation, that's for damn sure. It doesn't look like this one is going to get overly great reception but I'm loving it. On the plus side I count characters in their 20-somethings, a super eclectic cast, great female character designs, multiple character groups, multiple male protagonists to spread the focus around, and implications of major genre-bending if the stuff in the ED comes into play soon.

(07)　　A-Channel - ◄NEW► - 1 ep - Cute characters, funny, all that good stuff. Nichijou alone was enough for me this season for comedy anime, but I'm not going to say no to more good anime... A Channel is quite welcome to join the fray. I think I'm all about Yuuko right now, but all four main girls are fun.

(08)　　C - The Money of Soul and Possibility Control - ◄NEW► - 1 eps - The other noitaminA show this season. I really, really hope the rest of the show stays as crazy and bizarre as the first episode because god damn that was cool. The first few minutes before the OP kind og blew me away - that was one of the most visually stimulating things I've seen in a while, although I'd like to see the CG toned down some. Sakurai Takahiro is amazing as Masakaki. And I really want to meet the "familiars" or whatever they are.

(09)　　Sengoku Otome: Momoiro Paradox - ◄NEW► - 2 eps - I don't think it'll be a perfect replacement for Koihime, but so far so realllly good. I like Hide-tan a whole, whole lot and everything about this show is clicking beautifully for me.

(10)　　Dog Days - ◄NEW► - 2 eps - Episode one was decent - but a little too goofy - and then episode two made things much much better. It's still goofy but the girls have really started to shine. Especially Rico, Eclair, Leon and Milly. Stupidly epic seiyuu cast as well. It looks like solid fantasy fun. As long as Shinku doesn't show up the girls all the time (episode two excited so much precisely because that was avoided) I could see myself really enjoying this.

Third tier
(11)　　Hoshizora e Kakaru Hashi - ◄NEW► - 1 ep - Generic can be good! I like the feeling here, and the adorable little otouto is an interesting change of pace. As usual for these shows, a lot rides on whether the male lead annoys me. it is kind of funny to watch this right after the extremely not generic OreTsuba though. :sd:

(12)　　Kami nomi zo Shiru Sekai II - ◄NEW► - 1 ep - Not a bad opener. I'm not sure if this season wil climb s high as the first, if it doesn't move a central plot along. Doesn't sound like it will though... still, I have no doubt I'll really like it. It just needs to get warmed up, if it's like season one where I liked each girl more than the one before.

(13)　　Sket Dance - ◄NEW► - 2 eps - No real sense of where it's going yet. Actually, wait, I probably do - clash with the student council over complications arising from the Sket-dan's members' pasts and stuff. But however it goes, I like it so far.

(14)　　Astarotte no Omocha! - ◄NEW► - 2 eps - First episode was alright, cute enough, and obviously not a tenth as perverted as the haters were saying. Second episode, though, was so much better. It is, as I expected, looking to be a really sweet show. I didn't think too much of it at first but the second ep really has me wanting to see more.

(15)　　Hidan no Aria - ◄NEW► - 1 ep - Oh how very JC Staff of you! Kugyuu and Majima, twintails, tsundere, the whole shebang. Enjoyable enough, if a bit dumb. The protagonist's little secret could get obnoxious if not kept in check. God I love Kugimiya though, that rates at least a few more eps.

(16)　　Deadman Wonderland - ◄NEW► - 1 ep - That was alright. Hanazawa's character is fantastic but the setting is one I usually find a bit tedious. Going to watch to see how it plays out though. The sooner it moves beyond the basic setup, the better.

Fourth tier
(17)　　30-sai no Hoken Taiiku - ◄NEW► - 2 eps - Meh. They censored everything that was at all relevant to the them of the show. Why bother? The girl is quite cute but I just don't see this focusing on her enough to keep me around. Probably dropped by the next update.

OVAs, Specials, other oddities
Fairy Tail - 74 eps - We've been in anime-original material for a little while, and I have to say I did not like the Daphne arc, although it did end really well, which was nice. I think we've got a couple more one-offs ahead of us before jumping into another big arc. I'm enjoying it though - the Wendy episode was really nice.
Suite Precure - 5 eps - Yeah I'm super behind, I know. I need to find time to catch up on this and Gosick, stat.
Yutori-chan - 10 eps - Oh shit, I can actually watch this now. I need to do that...

Ranking on hold
None

Dropped:
Toriko - 1 ep - Not that bad, I guess, but it's unlikely I'd stick around. I can do the Shounen Jump thing but this isn't quite the type I get into.
Hen Zemi - 1 ep - ...Even with Hanazawa Kana as a lead, this is not going to work for me. I just don't enjoy gross-out/toilet humor at all.

Still need/plan to try (may not have aired):
Ao no Exorcist
Sekai-ichi Hatsukoi - Probably won't, since the CR subs are failsubs (that's at least three this season, oh well) and I doubt any other groups will bother with it. No big loss if I skip it, honestly, since I was basically just trying it out to see if I'd be pleasantly surprised.

There's a few others I may try if anyone bothers to make them available: Showa Monogatari, Honto ni Atta! Reibai-sensei, and Hyouge Mono. Odds don't look good though.

(Blah blah disclaimer, the number on a tier is not at all indicative of a show's absolute quality, merely its quality relative to the other shows on the list).

This season may end up telling me what my single-season import limit really is...

Draneor

04-17-2011, 10:24 PM

All right. I've watched at least one episode of every series I think I might enjoy. Winter was a weak season for me. So much that I skipped it entirely, other than watching some episodes of Hourou Musuko (which I still need to finish). Spring has, surprisingly, been especially strong. I was hoping to get by just importing one show, but that's clearly not going to be the case.

You know. I wanted to give up fansubs for the new year (one reason Winter was weak for me--I went streaming only), but Crunchy Roll just isn't getting the shows I'm considering importing. While I don't mind blind buying anime whose source material I'm familiar with, I'd rather not do it for ones I'm not. So I remain on the dark path, I suppose. I'd much rather they be streamed by CR though.

Tier 2

Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko: (1) Honestly, I wasn't expecting to like this, given my low opinion of Shinbo/Shaft. But as long as they don't get super-crazy, it has a good chance to be my spring favorite. Pre-ordered.

Dog Days (1-3): Immensely fun and bright. Oh, and a great supporting cast. It reminds me of a light and fluffy Utawarerumono crossed with Zero no Tsukaima crossed with Negima crossed with... On hold. If either Denpa or Aria drop out, I'll probably go for it. But importing four, with Higurashi and Hayate coming up, is just too much for my budget.

Hidan no Aria (1): I'm ecstatic that Kugyuu finally gets another role in a show I like (as opposed to Dragon Crisis). It's a light novel, so despite the weapons, I highly doubt any of the main characters will die. Should be safe for me to watch (uh, if it's not, PM me). Pre-ordered.

Ore no Imouto ga Konna ni Kawaii Wake ga Nai (12-13): No comment. There's really nothing I can say until it's over. Importing from fall.

Tier 3

Hoshizora e Kakaru Hashi (1): I find the familiar relaxing. There may only be a couple hundred thousand people on the planet (almost all in Japan) who like moege. But I'm one of them and that's all that matters.

[Edit]
Kami nomi zo Shiru Sekai II (1): Honest! I didn't mean to forget about this show. Kaminomi has an amazing ability to use character types I dislike or don't care for. With the exception of Shiori, of course. But Shiori was worth it so maybe I'll find another...

Tier 4

Ano Hana (1): It was, uh, very obvious that someone involved with the project drew inspiration from something for certain shots (and, at least, I'm glad to note I wasn't the only one that noticed). If the show was being streamed, I might be inclined to watch more. As it is, I have a pretty full season so I'll probably won't have time.

Fairy Tail (60-75): I was kind of disappointed in the last arc, the addition of Wendy aside. While the filler is a nice break, I'm definitely looking forward to more development in the next arc.

Dropped:

A-Channel (.5)

Hana-Saku Iroha (1)

Waiting for BD

OreTsuba: I couldn't get past the censorship. I'm buying it anyway, so I might as well wait for the best version. Pre-ordered.

Soft Tennis: Yeah. A censored panty show doesn't really make sense, and it's not exactly the kind of show I'd import. So if it gets a R1 release, I may watch it. Someday.

Draneor's Spring Character Poll: Initial Impressions[1]

#1 Touwa Erio
#2 Millhiore F. Biscotti
#3 Kanzaki H. Aria
#4 Eclair Martinozzi
#5 Rebecca Anderson
#6 Nakatsugawa Ui
#7 Hotogi Shirayuki
#8 Menma
#9 Ricotta Elmar
#10 Blond girl in Aria

[1]For characters who first appeared in an anime in spring 2011. Otherwise it's, you know, not really fair.

Glamrgrl104

04-18-2011, 10:01 AM

Case Closed episode 134- The tricks get more elaborate.

Well took a break from Case closed until I can get some more internet time. I was observing other people and it was making me wonder hmm that's strange- I saw this guy who was wearing a clean suit and he was carrying a grungy old bag.haha that's why I had to take a break from that; you start seeing things XD

Switched over to a school comedy; I don't know when I am in school I don't want to come home and think more lol. Azumanga Daioh- I love all the characters and it is a fun show. Onto disc 2!

something

04-18-2011, 10:50 AM

Hm, I should do my own characters first impressions. I'll leave Elsie from Kaminomi II out since she's got a full cour on these other characters already.

Spring characters, first impressions:
1. Touwa Erio - Denpa Onna
2. Honma Meiko "Menma" - AnoHana
3. Shinonome Nano - Nichijou
4. Naganohara Mio - Nichijou
5. Hide Yoshino - Sengoku Otome
6. Matsumae Ohana - Hanasaku Iroha ¹
7. Shiina Mayuri - Steins;Gate
8. Leonmitchelli Galette des Rois -Dog Days
9. Eclair Martinozzi - Dog Days
10. Yuuko - A Channel

11. Onizuka Hime - Sket Dance
12. Kanzaki Aria - Hidan no Aria
13. Alice - OreTsuba
14. Shiro - Deadman Wonerland ²

So far there are no male characters of note this season besides perhaps Okarin in Steins;Gate and Masakichi in C, who are both interesting. But there are a couple lead guys who aren't offensively bad or even "okay", which is about where the bar for smashing success is set for male characters in anime...

¹ - could be #1 if she'd ditch Kou-chan and learn to "shine" with Nako and Minko... alas.
² - Only character in the list who has a chance of dying I suppose, minus a technicality. I guess the lovely Mayushii is at risk too.

Fencedude

04-18-2011, 03:31 PM

with Higurashi

Ok. You got me. I just don't get it.

How, just...how are you a Higurashi fan? How does that even work!?

something

04-18-2011, 03:56 PM

with HigurashiOk. You got me. I just don't get it.
How, just...how are you a Higurashi fan? How does that even work!?
Heh. He's explained it to me before but I have to confess I still don't get it, quite.

Or, well, I get it but not why the same logic doesn't apply to other shows. That is, I understand his rationale that behind the awful horrible gore-tastic things that happen in Higurashi there's a very cute aesthetic, a strong theme of friendship, a struggle to overcome, and I assume there must be a light at the end of the tunnel in the Good Ends. (Of course, that describes quite a lot of shows...)

All well and good and sensible... I just don't get how he got far enough to get to that point. :sd: I am 100% certain that if a show aired today with an opening scene in which a deranged boy brutally beat his friends to death with a baseball bat it would be dropped at absolute warp speed. Heck, it doesn't get too much more brutal than that. Certainly loads worse than anything Madoka has ever shown us (I had to drop Higurashi halfway through season one because while it was good, it was just too disturbing for me, personally), let alone a mean grandma slap in Hanasaku Iroha (which already feels like a distant memory just three eps in)...

I get the argument of being familiar with the source material first (I'm assuming he was anyway; putting aside the question of how he got through that in the first place), and knowing that there's more to it in the end than murder and psychological torture. But I've never quite understood what is it about Higurashi, almost uniquely, that prompted a degree of patience with the more disturbing material that nothing else in the past few years has been granted. Because, Draneor, I really doubt you'd get through one episode of any show airing today that was half as violent.

Well, not that you're obligated to explain it again to me just because I don't understand it... but I can't help but think of it every time you drop a show for being too "evil" or "violent" etc, even though you have to know that 9 times out of 10, things will end with the good guys victorious and the world saved, and that most of the characters who seem mean really aren't. I mean jeeze, part of your reason for dropping Madoka was "I don't like guro", which boggles my mind given how much less violent it is than Higurashi.

Fencedude

04-18-2011, 04:05 PM

I mean jeeze, part of your reason for dropping Madoka was "I don't like guro", which boggles my mind given how much less violent it is than Higurashi.

And Madoka and Higurashi are actually quite thematically similar. Hell, they're very similar in actual plotline!

Don't read that if you don't want Madoka spoilers. SRSLY.

strangefour

04-18-2011, 04:10 PM

I mean jeeze, part of your reason for dropping Madoka was "I don't like guro", which boggles my mind given how much less violent it is than Higurashi.

SOMEONE DROPPED MADOKA!?

I... I have no concept of this being a reality. This is an obvious lie.

Man I haven't done a seasonal watching thread post in ages. I should get on that after dinner.

Draneor

04-18-2011, 06:59 PM

How, just...how are you a Higurashi fan? How does that even work!?

It's not exactly a secret that Higurashi is one of my favorite anime (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showthread.php?p=1882297&highlight=higurashi#post1882297) (note it's my #2 most wanted license, after D.C.--and one of my rare tier ones). So far, I've made 230 posts on the forum about it (several of which relate to importing Rei/the fan discs). Why do you think I watched Umineko? Which, as you know, I found disappointing because there weren't that many of us which stayed the course until the end in the discussion thread. Also, Umineko managed to piss me off by killing of the only character I liked. Not cool.

As for why I like it, I think this post (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showpost.php?p=1343251&postcount=33) and this post (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showpost.php?p=1439441&postcount=25) (which Something alludes to) explain it best. I've since seen through Rei and my opinion or interpretation of Higurashi has not changed.

stuff

The power of Rena compels me. Oh, and Rika is nothing to nipah about. Hau~~ too.

let alone a mean grandma slap in Hanasaku Iroha (which already feels like a distant memory just three eps in)...

I'd rather not revisit the issue, but it wasn't the slap that bothered me--it was that she reminded me of my (evil) grandmother and the traditional, non-egalitarian social structure. Really, it just came down to the difference between my expectations and what the show was. Had I expected a drama, I probably would have had a different reaction (see Ano Hana). Basically, I should have researched it more.

As far as Madoko goes--I'm not that into magical girl shows as it is (or for that matter, Shaft). After discussing the first episode with others, I realized it was going to be a dark magical girl show. That's why I elected to not watch more. I don't recall seeing anything in the first episode that bothered me. Virtually all of my subsequent exposure has been via Sankaku.

Goes to listen to "Super scription of data"...

Westlo

04-19-2011, 06:52 AM

Also, Umineko managed to piss me off by killing of the only character I liked. Not cool.

lol, she's like the only character that's act..oh i better stop here lol.

Besides the moment was brilliant, especially in the VN with Dir (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_VTvrHDDd8) as the music. Don't know why they left out so many great themes... would be like KyoAni leaving out the Nagisa theme from Clannad. DEEN not putting "Dear You" in Higurashi is a criminal offense, especially the Destructive Remix in that pivotal scene.

Really, it just came down to the difference between my expectations and what the show was. Had I expected a drama, I probably would have had a different reaction (see Ano Hana). Basically, I should have researched it more.

Than why don't you watch the show again with actual proper expectations since you know what it's really like? Than you can bitch about how Episode 3 just went silly (and actually boosted preorders) and ruined things like half the internetz is. The reaction to Ep 3 has been hilarious from some people..

Draneor

04-19-2011, 07:35 AM

Westlo

04-19-2011, 07:42 AM

Because I still won't like it. I don't like a popular anime. This is not intended to be a statement of the quality of the anime or a knock against people that do like it. It's not the first time my tastes are out of alignment with the majority, and it won't be the last (and really, if you think I'd find the current "controversy" controversial...).

That's cool man, you stick with those underdog shows like OreNo and avoid those massively popular ones like Hanasaku,

Fencedude

04-19-2011, 10:03 AM

Than why don't you watch the show again with actual proper expectations since you know what it's really like?

Because I still won't like it. I don't like a popular anime. This is not intended to be a statement of the quality of the anime or a knock against people that do like it. It's not the first time my tastes are out of alignment with the majority, and it won't be the last (and really, if you think I'd find the current "controversy" controversial...).

Oh please. You like plenty of "popular" shows, you can't use that as a dodge.

You made a relatively irrational decision (which is fine, your prerogative, my decisions are hardly entirely rational), and are now trying to justify it through major contortions.

Draneor

04-19-2011, 11:31 AM

Oh please. You like plenty of "popular" shows, you can't use that as a dodge.

You misinterpreted my statement. I said "I don't like a popular anime." I believe you took it to mean "I never like popular anime." But like anyone, there are popular shows I dislike for whatever reason (Evangelion anyone). In these cases, my tastes are out of alignment with the majority and thus odd.

tldr, HanaSaku appears to be a popular show. I don't like it. In this instance, I'm weird. No amount of "that's stupid you should watch it" from Westlo is going to change that. Because I'm not him.

You made a relatively irrational decision (which is fine, your prerogative, my decisions are hardly entirely rational), and are now trying to justify it through major contortions.

Of course my taste preferences are irrational. Nevertheless, there are still reasons for them. As for trying to "justify it," that was not my intention. I was merely attempting to clarify/explain my reasons. I'd really rather just go my merry way and watch shows I like. At the same time, I do feel the need to clarify why if someone brings it up. If I'm asked how can Stellvia be a tier one anime when you generally dislike mecha," I'm going to try to explain why I consider Stellvia different (uh, mecha fans don't please don't kill me if Stellvia isn't a true mecha--I really wouldn't know).

Fencedude

04-19-2011, 06:29 PM

Goes to listen to "Super scription of data"...

How about some Flowers of Hell (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxFrqY9dAXE)?

(Madoka spoilers!)

Draneor

04-19-2011, 08:38 PM

How about some Flowers of Hell (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxFrqY9dAXE)?

That was kind of cute.

Fencedude

04-20-2011, 05:41 AM

Top Tier

Hanasaku Iroha - Definitely my favorite so far. Absolutely sublime visuals, and amazing voice work from everyone involved. I even don't hate Omigawa Chiaki! Will be very interesting to see where it goes from here. Also very much enjoying where the relationships are going.

Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko - Total WTF, but very fun. Erio is possibly the prettiest character of the season, and her mom isn't bad either. And very SHAFT. Very, very SHAFT.

Steins;Gate - Just...I have no idea. Its awesome, but so confusing and strange. All the characters are interesting though, and really looking forward to seeing where they end up going.

Dog Days - Yeah, the show is pretty silly, but its a lot of fun, and its got a pretty acceptable male lead, and a lot of hot female characters. Will be interesting to see if it stays lighthearted, or decides to go for a more serious plot

Second Tier

Sengoku Otome: Momoiro Paradox - Its surprisingly managing to be almost kinda serious. Not completely so, but more than say, Koihime ever was. Hideyoshi's handling her situation surprisingly well, and she was actually almost kinda awesome in episode 3. She really needs to read that history book though...

A-Channel - I could watch these four characters just bounce off each other forever, really a sweet show, with just the right amount of subtext to get me going. Yuuko/Tooru FTW!

Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae wo Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai - I expect this show is going to have me crying before its over. Fantastic setup episode, and where it goes from here should be fascinating to watch. This and Hanasaku are probably going to be the best character shows of the season

Nichijou - I like this show more when I'm watching it than I do normally, but its still not really doing that much for me. Its amusing, but...just a tad more spastic than I really prefer. Nono is <3 though.

Astarotte no Omocha! - Surprisingly sweet and heartfelt, though I expected something like this, considering the absolute ridiculousness of its stated premise. Can't wait for Astarotte to meet Asuha!

Third Tier

Oretachi ni Tsubasa wa Nai - Just...what. I have no idea. The first episode was nuts, while the second made a bit more sense. No idea what this show expects to accomplish in its cour of runtime though. But definitely along for the ride!

Kami nomi zo Shiru Sekai II - I'm about ready for this show to actually get its plot moving. The individual girl's arcs are nice and all, but the absolute lack of interaction with them at all after their arcs end is disappointing. Haqua's arrival should shake things up though!

C - The Money of Soul and Possibility Control - What is this, I don't even. This show could go almost anywhere from here, and I have no idea what it plans to be.

Hidan no Aria - The most JC Staff anime ever featuring the most Kugimiya Rie character ever. I'm not expecting much depth here, but at the very least it should be quite the ride.

Hoshizora e Kakaru Hashi - Astonishingly generic right now, but hopefully meeting more of the girls will help. Still really weird that the male lead has a younger brother who's a major character though. Also the younger brother is far more interesting right now.

Softenni - Very...ok. Another show that can't decide when it can and can't show panties though. Amusing enough though, I guess.

Deadman Wonderland - Just...I'm here for Hanazawa Kana. Thats it.

Long Running

Fairy Tail - This last filler arc ended up being more annoying than it needed to be, but it looks like we're getting into a new major arc now. Still a lot of fun, and the addition of Wendy has been fantastic.

Suite Precure - Its still in that "<insert previous Precure here> was waaaaay better!" phase among the fandom, but I'm quite enjoying it. Hibiki and Kanade have a really fun relationship, and certain events in the last couple episodes have potential to really shake things up.

Haven't Tried

Sket Dance
Toriko
Ao no Exorcist

Not even going to bother

30-sai no Hoken Taiiku
Hen Zemi
Maria Holic Alive

Buckeye

04-20-2011, 08:13 AM

Next up, I will watch the third season of Familiar of Zero. I watched the first season two years ago, and then the second season last December. I have been meaning to watch this season, but I keep forgetting to do so.
I finished watching that yesterday night. Basically, this is the weakest of the three seasons and while it still has everything I like about this series, I felt like there should have been some sign of resolution in the current conflict that the season is centered on. With that, I finished watching this series.

Next up, I am getting ready to finish of Puella Magi Madoka Magica with the last two episodes coming on Thursday. But since I will be in St. Louis this weekend, I will not have a chance to watch it until after I get back. In the meantime, I am watching stuff that has been airing on Adult Swim since I am behind on that.

Glamrgrl104

04-20-2011, 10:21 AM

Azumanga Daioh disc 3- I never get tired of this series and they are episodic so I can watch one at lunch then head back to school.

Black Cat- vols 1-6-finished rewatching- I watched this in two days. It reminds me of Getbackers, but I think I liked GB a little more. Still a good watch.

School Rumble-disc 1 partway finished- Well I kind of switched around these three; I couldn't stay just on one for some reason lol. I love this series the zany humor is hilarious.

Have a math test on friday so trying to finsh some series before thursday XD

EmperorBrandon

04-20-2011, 08:23 PM

So time to do the breakdown for all I've tried this season and some brief thoughts.

Very high interest:
AnoHana (1)
This was a really strong starting episode (I don't think anything last season reached this level for me as far as starting impression) with lots of memorable scenes and interesting characters. There's a lot of potential with the story and characters and thus am really looking forward to more of it at this point.

Hanasaku Iroha (3)
This one I'm a little further in and thus have more to gauge, but I must say I've been very pleased by this so far. Ohana was great, loveable character to me from the start, but the whole cast is really starting to shine... That makes two highly-anticipated original anime series for me this season.

High interest:
A Channel (2)
First episode was nice and pleasant, but I think I got a good bit more into it with the second. I've gotten the know the characters better and there's some wonderful interactions between them. If it keeps it up, I can definitely see this one continuing to be enjoyable to watch.

The World God Only Knows II (2)
This one started off rather enjoyably in the first episode even if it didn't really get me on the highs where it left off (with the amazing Shiori arc and the rather over-the-top ending episode). The second episode delivered some wonderful sweet moments that really got me back in even more, though. Quite curious where the story with this next girl is going to go.

Nichijou (0 OVA + 3)
It's a good bit hit or miss for me at this point, but so was Lucky Star. There's some great quirky humor in it that I'm really enjoying for the most part (when it does hit), though. I'm curious to find out more on some of the supporting characters.

Steins;Gate (3)
So far I've found this to be very intriguing, and the main females are awesome. It's confusing at times, but I'd consider this the "good" kind of confusing that really gets me interested, at least so far. Not too much else to say but I'm definitely sticking with it.

Softenni (2)
I wonder if I'm one of the few that's rather liked this series here (seems most haven't taken too kindly to it). I found the first episode a good bit of fun to watch and just recently having seen the second, it doesn't seem to let up on it too. Really fun, quirky main cast and some nice mild fanservice (I guess it helps that I think tennis uniforms are cute). Only downside is that it seems visually bland (even though cute) as Xebec series sometimes are, but doesn't bother me too much. I could see my interest in this waning, but hope it keeps up the fun.

Moderate interest:
Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko (1)
I don't know what it was, but some of the dialogue-driven interactions between male lead and his aunt (add to this Nonaka Ai kind of grated, even as much I loved her in MSMM) bored me a little. Erio's quirkiness definitely has me interested though, and I'm curious to see more of where it's going from here.

Astarotte's Toy (2)
First episode introduced a lot of cute female characters but proceeded to be rather boring throughout. Second episode is a bit more like it with some sweet moments and some backstory on things, though. I'm decently interesting in seeing more.

Tiger & Bunny (3)
I'm not really into superhero/action stuff all that much, but it's been rather fun so far, particularly with the lead (Kaburagi's) interactions with others. This show has struck an interesting balance for me and I'll probably keep watching for now.

Yondemasuyo! Azazel-san (2)
First episode was rather unexpectedly hilarious for me, but the second I was more mixed on (though still had some LOL moments). I'll probably stick with it since it's so fast to watch with short episodes.

Aria the Scarlet Ammo (1)
Well, it's got a nice seiyuu cast and cute character designs, but I'm not too sure what to say about it beyond that. Seems like some of the characters might be rather interesting, so it has enough potential for me to try more, though.

X-Men (3)
I know relatively little about the X-Men (about the only thing I know them from are from Capcom vs. fighting games :) ), but I decided to watch this to try out the "Marvel anime" thing since it seems to have had the best reaction so far among them. I find it interesting enough to follow along with so far, at least.

Sengoku Otome (3)
Hideyoshi is such an amusingly stupid lead so far. Not really sure if there's much that interests me with this series, but it's OK enough to follow so far.

Hoshizora e Kakaru Hashi (1)
Very generic start but still rather enjoyable. If it just stays that way it may start to bore me a bit, though. I guess we'll see.

Sekai-ichi Hatsukoi (2)
I actually find the shoujo manga publishing thing to be rather interesting and there's some good humor in there. The romance between the male leads seems like it's going to be somewhat annoying to me going by the second episode, though. I'm not entirely sure if I'm going to bother with more.

Dog Days (3)
It just feels rather just OK to me so far, even with all the cute characters and unusually "fluffy" premise for an alternate world fantasy fighting anime. I may watch some more but I'm not caring too much.

Low interest:
Oretachi ni Tsubasa wa Nai (2)
The first episode felt like such a chore to get through, going from one group of boring characters interacting with each other to another with not much to make sense of. The second episode felt more "normal" but still didn't get me caring much. I don't know, I kind of feel some potential in this one, though, so I may end up watching at least a little more regardless (probably give up on 3 if it doesn't show anything that interests me more, though).

Sket Dance (2)
Aside from getting a few laughs out of the robotic Sugita Tomokazu, I've been rather thoroughly bored by this series. Well, supposedly it's going to get better but I feel I'm wasting time at this point.

Deadman Wonderland (1)
I know others probably won't care, but the whole trial thing in the start of the episode really rubbed me the wrong way for some reason (guess I wasn't the only one since I saw afterward that Theron at ANN didn't like it either). Well, Shiro is really cute and I might be able to get over that bugging me, but I'm not too certain if it's really the kind of series that interests me. May check to see how the second episode goes.

Blue Exorcist (1)
Seems like it may end up being a decently good show, but there's nothing about it that really seems to suit my tastes so far. Not sure if I'll watch more.

Dororon Enma-kun Meeramera (1)
Seems like an OK series, but the humor just wasn't working for me at all. Unlikely I'll watch more.

30-sai no Hoken Taiiku (2)
Even trying to ignore the extreme censorship (and really, this is one case, where you really can't...), the show has been pretty boring with the interactions between the main male characters. Second episode was a bit better since it had more Natsu. I may watch another set of these in case more of the other females show up (maybe the slight yuri-ness of the scene in the ED is tempting there, even if it's probably just a tease :P ), but again, feeling like a waste of time.

Hen Zemi (1)
Yet another series that is just not my style of humor...

Haven't watched:
Moshidora - Will be watching for sure. Just waiting on it to air first, of course...
C: The Money of Soul and Possibility Control - Definitely going to be trying this - just waiting on official simulcast.
Toriko - Not too interested since it seems like this might be one of those shounen series that will go on forever (which I don't ever feel like getting into in the long run even though I've enjoyed some at first).
Jewel Pet Sunshine - I don't tend to get into the long kids shoujo series that much. Some come around that interest me like Yumeiro, but being reliably subbed and legally streamed helps a lot in being able to jump into it...
Hyouge Mono - Not sure if I'm interested. Given all that I've tried this season, it kind of seems like I might as well, but I'm reaching the point where my "try-all" enthusiasm of the season is dying off.
Tono to Issho: Ganta no Yabou - Haven't seen the first and probably not too interested.

HitokiriShadow

04-20-2011, 09:00 PM

Deadman Wonderland (1)
I know others probably won't care, but the whole trial thing in the start of the episode really rubbed me the wrong way for some reason (guess I wasn't the only one since I saw afterward that Theron at ANN didn't like it either).

There were definitely (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showpost.php?p=1931396&postcount=3) other people here (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showpost.php?p=1931514&postcount=7) who had major issues with how that was handled. (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showpost.php?p=1931518&postcount=8)

EmperorBrandon

04-20-2011, 09:21 PM

There were definitely (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showpost.php?p=1931396&postcount=3) other people here (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showpost.php?p=1931514&postcount=7) who had major issues with how that was handled. (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showpost.php?p=1931518&postcount=8)

Well yeah, I saw that it was criticized either way, but for me it kind of crossed the line from simply being ridiculous to really bothering me.

something

04-20-2011, 09:48 PM

Well yeah, I saw that it was criticized either way, but for me it kind of crossed the line from simply being ridiculous to really bothering me.
It was totally dumb, but I took it as the genre's own equivalent of, say, the Japanese high school girl walking into an abandoned shrine and being teleported to the Sengoku period. Does it make any sense? No. Is effort put into establishing it as a believable turn of events? No. But there's really no purpose to it other than to get the protagonist into the place where the real story starts. Logic is secondary.

Not that it didn't bother me too... but I'm more hesitant about where it goes from here, than how we got here. If it focuses primarily on sadistic prison abuse, I doubt I'll be around for episode 3. If it quickly moves beyond that into more interesting territory, there might be something there for me.

EmperorBrandon

04-20-2011, 09:58 PM

It was totally dumb, but I took it as the genre's own equivalent of, say, the Japanese high school girl walking into an abandoned shrine and being teleported to the Sengoku period.

It's more the gross injustice that bothered me, really, not the dumbness.

If it focuses primarily on sadistic prison abuse, I doubt I'll be around for episode 3. If it quickly moves beyond that into more interesting territory, there might be something there for me.

Yeah, I'm in agreement there.

Suwako Moriya

04-21-2011, 07:10 AM

So the Spring season is apon us, before I get to the shows that I've actually tried. I'm going to start off with the series that I have not tried yet. To give me my feelings on whether or not I'm interested in any of them. So here goes nothing.

Steins;Gate

If this is one of those confusing for the sake of being confusing series like Chaos Head then I'm not going to bother. For the record, that was part of the reason I gave up on Chaos Head.

X Men

My only real experience with the franchise is some of the episodes of the 90s cartoon back in the day. I also have yet to even bother trying the other two Marvel anime. So no idea if I'll ever get around to this one.

Toriko

Call me shallow, but this is one of those cases where the promotional art gives me the feeling the show is not meant for me. So I'll probably pass by default.

30-sai no Hoken Taiiku

Not even going to bother.

Hen Zemi (Abnormal Physiology Seminar)

Just reading comments on the first episode and such has essentially told me not to even risk being grossed out by this.

Yondemasuyo, Azazel-san

Err, the demon scares me, so I'll be passing.

Deadman Wonderland

The preview just rubbed me the wrong way for some reason. So, no....

Blue Exorcist

I honestly have no idea right now about this one.

C - The Money of Soul and Possibility Control

Same situation as the show above.

Dororon Enma-kun Meeramera

Same idea as the above and the above.

Moshidora

Out of all the shows I have yet to try, this is one that I'm most interested in giving a chance. Just the lead female alone provides enough motivation.

????

Forgive me if I forgot to mention some series. There's like 30 discussion threads created now and that's only a fraction of the spring series. Just assume that for anything I forgot about it, it either hasn't aired yet or I'm undecided.

----------------------------------------

Let's move on to the shows that I have actually tried from the Spring season and see how I feel about them.

Pretty Rhythm Aurora Dream (2)

It has a few definite issues, but I think the potential relationship between Aira and Rhythm will provide some motivation. Ok, it requires reading too much into some things, but I've had plenty of practice at that.

Jewel Pet Sunshine (2)

I'm already missing Twinkle. That being said, the direction of this interest me. Plus, the lead female this time seems to at least have a cooler look to her than the previous ones. Now if only I had a better understanding of this.....

Tiger and Bunny (3)

After giving it some thought, I decided to try it for the heck of it. I doubt this will be a high level favorite, but so far it's turning out to be quite solid. It helps that they're balancing out the "silly" of the premise by adding some serious elements to it that seem to work so far.

Ore-tachi ni Tsubasa wa Nai (1)

The first episode felt like an unorganized mess, but to be fair, I think that was actually intentional. The set up has potential and it will be curious how they handle things. So I'm interested in trying more because of that.

However to keep me watching long term, they need to be very good at juggling things. Also, things to eventually come together. Otherwise, it will be like deciding to walk away because the juggler keeps dropping the balls.

Aria the Scarlet Ammo/Hidan no Aria (1)

I'm mainly watching because Aria is hot and there's potential from other girls. My main fear right now is we could get one of those shows that will end up forgetting what the title of the anime is. Hopefully that won't be the case.

Sket Dance (1)

Well, the lead female is awesome. Other than that, err I need to decide if she alone provides enough reason to keep watching this. Also, I have to wonder. Will we get more than just problems of the week? Even monster of the week shows eventually have plot episodes.

Astarotte's Toy / Lotte no Omocha (1)

Yeah, this will be a case where I'll be getting used to adaptation changes for a bit. That aside, it's off to a pretty decent start. I also find Judit to be awesome and Asuha is already showing her qualities.

Hoshizora e Kakeru Hashi/A Bridge to the Starry Skies (1)

Yeah, I tried it out to get a feel for the series. I the designs of some of the females. The younger brother is adorable for a male anyway. The first episode mainly suffered from some "forced" situations.

Even so, something about the first episode does have me interested in trying more. Ok, getting to meet more of the girls and hoping things will flow better by episode 3 is part of the reason.

Dog Days (3)

A fun series involving cute girls with animal ears and tails. Oh, and a decent male lead. Plus, we have Becky. Becky, who better get plenty of screen time. Yeah, this is definitely a show to watch due to the nature of it. Although I'd be shocked if we don't get the "CHANGE OF FOCUS" by the second half. Hopefully it won't be the type that ruins the show.

Suite Precure (10)

Kanade and Hibiki have a special relationship. Seiren has definite potential depending on how they use her. Hummy is well one of the more decent mascot characters.

So yeah, it's Pretty Cure series. So of course I'm liking it and looking forward to later developments. Such as introduction of later cures. Sure, I know some names, but I still want to see them in action.

Sengoku Otome (2)

Hideyoshi is "love" for the most part. The setting is amusing, but it still feels like we're in the set up phase. Here's hoping we have plenty of fun with cute girls and the "plot" doesn't get in the way of things. Definitely a series to watch on the side and the closest we have to Koihime right now.

The World God Only Knows II (1)

Yay! A new season of girls. Let's see if any of them can surpass Kanon. Yes, I know. All of you are in love with Shiori, but there was something about Kanon. In any case, I love the type of recap they had at the start of the first episode.

This second season should hopefully, but fun like the first. However I do think at a certain point, they'll need to change the formula a bit and do other things that you would expect of a show eventually.

Hanasaku Iroha (2)

So far it's an interesting series, and I definitely like Ohana. That being said, this looks like it might end up being one of those "hard watch" series. So I have to be in the right mood for it. Also, it has one of those casts. The type you have to be err "patient" with. Well, not all of them but some of them. Bleh, sometimes it's hard to explain without giving everything away.

Softenni (2)

Not exactly the most amazing series ever, but it has a certain charm to it. That and Kotone alone gives reason to keep watching this. Especially after episode two. So yeah, this is one I'll be sticking with for now.

Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko (1)

Stunning! Enough about Erio's look. The first episode was definitely on the amusing side and we have a lead female that's rather pretty. On the negative side, some of her traits could get tired after a bit.

Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae o Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai (1)

One of the definite highlights of the season. A very strong first episode that really helped set the mood. If they can capitalize on the set up and actually make proper use of the eleven episodes they have to work with, this will end up being one of the best series of the season.

Nichijou (2)

As a whole I'm enjoying the series. The cast is fun and I especially love Mio. Probably my favorite character so far. Not that others don't have their moments. Nano is especially adorable and needs a hug.

In any case, here's hoping the anime will remember the supporting cast and make good use of them. As much I like the major four, I want to see some of the other girls as well. Like for example Annaka and her ribbon of awesome.

A-Channel (2)

This is by far my favorite series of the Spring season. I love the relationship between the core four. Be it all four at once or when they're split into pairs. Yes, I will admit having read sixteen chapters of the manga does help bias me a bit.

Speaking of which, I am definitely looking forward to additional involvement from members of the supporting cast. As they have potential to mix things up a bit. Especially true for a couple of first year students.

---------------------------

As per usual, I'm too lazy to do exact division. Let's just say the following. A-Channel as mentioned is the favorite. Nichijou is a close second.

Ano, Denpa, and Hanasaku are showing definite potential. Each in their own away.

Sengoku Otome and Softenni will probably be the for the fun of it shows of the season.

In general, I'll probably have a better idea as to some shows one I reach around episode 3 or so. Assuming of course, I don't drop them before then.

As for trying anything new aside from Moshidora, I have eighteen (I think) active series here, so I need to be careful about what I added. Although it's possible some of these may be dropped later.

something

04-21-2011, 07:13 AM

Steins;Gate
If this is one of those confusing for the sake of being confusing series like Chaos Head then I'm not going to bother.
It's confusing for the sake of being awesome.

Suwako Moriya

04-21-2011, 07:35 AM

Steins;Gate
If this is one of those confusing for the sake of being confusing series like Chaos Head then I'm not going to bother.
It's confusing for the sake of being awesome.

Oh, that's a different story then. I don't mind shows having some level of confusion. I just get bothered when a series uses it a crutch and as a plot device. Well, I guess I can try at least one episode and see how it goes.

Wait. Confusing for the sake of being confusing. Confusing for the sake of being awesome. We need a show that's Awesome for the sake of being confusing.

Draneor

04-21-2011, 07:37 AM

Suwako Moriya

04-21-2011, 07:42 AM

Pretty Rhythm Aurora Dream (2) [...]
Jewel Pet Sunshine (2)

I'm going to go out on a limb here and assume these are kids shows? Mainly because I haven't heard of them. Well, the titles also scream "magical girl."

Yes, both are aimed at young girls in Japan as far as I know. As for being magical girl? Well, Sunshine is a lot closer to being Magical Girl than Dream is.

Although in terms of Magical Girl aspects, I'd say the previous Jewel Pet series aka Twinkle was a lot closer than Sunshine. You even had transformation outfits.

something

04-21-2011, 10:09 AM

Oh, that's a different story then. I don't mind shows having some level of confusion. I just get bothered when a series uses it a crutch and as a plot device.
Steins;Gate is confusing because the protagonist is basically a delusional, paranoid nut. Not entirely without justification, but he was clearly not all there long before we met him. So, we're supposed to be at least as confused as he is. And it's fun.

Well, I guess I can try at least one episode and see how it goes.
If nothing else, you'll loooove Mayushii. Hanazawa~~

Edit: Oh you've already watched - and I'm so shocked my guess was spot on about Mayuri =D

pianocello

04-21-2011, 11:25 AM

Currently watching (episodes watched up to in brackets):
Outstanding
Onichan no Koto (2)
Sure the male lead is rather bland but this show takes some of the best aspects of the dirty humor of Mitsudomoe and B Gata H Kei and the humor really works and is fun to watch.

Very Good
Fractale (6)
While at this point in the series, people are starting to get negative, I'm liking this. Phryne really needs to get naked every episode.:sdsmiley:

Star Driver (2)
Ridiculous fun.

To Aru Majutsu no Index II (6)
Ep 6 clearly shows why the Railgun series is better than the Index series.

Ghost Stories (finished)
The scares really work and the show wrapped up nicely.

Good
Yumekui Merry (1)
What an amazingly sexy waist.:shy:

Rio Rainbowgate (1)
It's silly but it's sexy and bouncy enough.

Average
Legend of the Legendary Heroes (5)
It's not really a bad show but I'm not finding the story motivating

Kore wa Zombie Desu ka (2)
This show might drop further in my ranking as I find the female cast to be one of the more unlikable ones I've seen recently.

Below average
None

Awful
Super Robot Wars OG (finished)
I found it tedious to watch the opening episodes. Hoping that it would "get better", I jumped to the middle episodes. No luck. Hoping the ending would redeem itself, I checked out the last episodes and I have to say - this show is a stinker and is one of the worst anime of the year.

Westlo

04-21-2011, 11:50 AM

Fencedude

04-21-2011, 11:55 AM

something

04-21-2011, 12:10 PM

Awful
Super Robot Wars OG (finished)
I found it tedious to watch the opening episodes. Hoping that it would "get better", I jumped to the middle episodes. No luck. Hoping the ending would redeem itself, I checked out the last episodes and I have to say - this show is a stinker and is one of the worst anime of the year.
So, you skipped over half the show, never actually gave it a chance, hated it, and think its terrible.
Why not just stop watching?

I can't think of many shows where skipping episodes would be a worse idea than it is with SRW. You can't just "jump to the middle episodes" and expect anything to make the slightest bit of sense. It was a challenge to keep things straight while watching every episode normally! So, jumping and finding it unsatisfactory and then doing it all again by jumping straight to the ending...

...I don't even know what to say about that. :sd: Why bother? There was no chance whatsoever of that improving an impression.

Suwako Moriya

04-21-2011, 01:04 PM

Steins;Gate is confusing because the protagonist is basically a delusional, paranoid nut. Not entirely without justification, but he was clearly not all there long before we met him. So, we're supposed to be at least as confused as he is. And it's fun.

That I've definitely noticed. In any case, one thing that helps is they seem so far careful to avoid "overplaying" it too much. Something that many shows would have delighted in doing so.

If nothing else, you'll loooove Mayushii. Hanazawa~~

Edit: Oh you've already watched - and I'm so shocked my guess was spot on about Mayuri =D

Thus is the power of being predictable and people knowing you too well. Which of course ruins any master plans I may have. In any case, after watching episode 1 and 2, I think the idea of skipping it was a mistake on my part.

So long as they handle the "mysterious" stuff properly and girls of "love" keep getting focus, the show should be worth watching.

Glamrgrl104

04-21-2011, 10:40 PM

School Rumble season 1 finished- Filled with laughs and just a fun anime. I will be watching season 2 this weekend, but for now need to stop procrastinating and study for my math test :(

something

04-23-2011, 04:04 AM

4/03/11 update (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showpost.php?p=1925019&postcount=6)

And all one cour shows are done. Only Gosick is a two-cour holdover so I likely won't update this much anymore.

R2 Import Tier
(01)　　Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica - ▲1 - 12 eps / complete - It was perfect. Just completely perfect. I can't explain why without spoilers, but I simply could not have dreamed of a better ending. Hourou Musuko is a better show than Madoka Magica eps 1-9. But the power of endings can't be underestimated. While Hourou peaked, emotionally, for me at episode 9, then finished out strong, Madoka ran strong through 9 and then peaked emotionally all the way through 10-12, with an intensity Hourou can't match. And god, what an ending it was. Absolutely top tier. Without a doubt the best ending since K-ON!! (though below it) and about on par with the brilliance that was Sora no Woto's ending (even counting the bonus ep). This is easily, easily in the top 5 endings of the past two years. And easily one of my top tier 10/10 shows.[Import - Ordered.]

(02)　　Hourou Musuko - ▼1 - 11 eps / complete - [Import - Ordered.]

(03)　　Yumekui Merry - ◄0► - 13 eps / complete - As I said in the thread, I like this show more than I like it... I know it's got a bunch of problems, from a rushed ending to terrible fight choreography and animation, but I simply can not help but enjoy it immensely anyway. I can't bring myself to think too badly of it because it's simply too likable. Somehow. Merry and Isana and Yui and Chizuru and Jukai... I love them all. I would dearly love to see it get a sequel under a different director, or at least with bringing in someone marginally competent to handle the action scenes. There's so so so much in the world here I want to see the story get to, but it just doesn't seem like it's going to happen. But that's part of the reason I'm buying this and Zombie...I want to see sequels, and we aren't going to get them if these discs don't sell. Gave this a 9, which it doesn't quite deserve but god I just don't care. [Import - Ordered.]

(04)　　Kore wa Zombie Desu ka? - ◄0► - 12 eps / complete - [Import - Ordered.]

Second Tier
(05)　　Fractale - ◄0► - 11 eps / complete

(06)　　Gosick - ◄0► - 10 eps - Need to catch up. Two cour so it got bumped in favor of wrapping up one cour shows and starting Spring.

(07)　　Rio -Rainbow Gate!- - ◄0► - 13 eps / complete

(08)　　Onii-chan no Koto Nanka Zenzen Suki janain Dakara ne!! - ◄0► - 13 eps / complete - Very amusing short arc near the end but we close out with a fairly mundane episode. This isn't a show I watch for mundane. A little disappointing, that so it got a 7 out of me.

Third tier
(09)　　Dragon Crisis! - ◄0► - 12 eps / complete - It was okay. Last episode had the staff clearly not giving a damn and just going batshit crazy, and it was fairly amusing for it. But really not that great a show. Gave it a 6.

OVAs, Specials, other oddities
Moved to Spring 2011 lists

Ranking on hold
None

Dropped:
Freezing - 9 eps -Yeah, I know it's supposed to end strong but I decided I simply don't have time. There are too many good Spring shows and earlier season catch-ups I need to do that I like so much more.
Level E - 3 eps
Infinite Stratos - 1 ep
Beezlebub - 1 ep

Still need/plan to try (may not have aired):
None

(Blah blah disclaimer, the number on a tier is not at all indicative of a show's absolute quality, merely its quality relative to the other shows on the list).

MADOKA MADOKA MADOKA MADOKA.

Best show since K-ON!!, and gets a very very clear 10/10.

Suwako Moriya

04-23-2011, 04:21 AM

And all one cour shows are done. Only Gosick is a two-cour holdover so I likely won't update this much anymore.

On that note, I think I better actually wrap up* the one cour shows myself while Spring is still early. As for Gosick, I'm actually leaning towards the following.

Rather than make "Winter Updates" with just Gosick until either I finish the series or drop it, I might just throw it on to the Spring updates.

*Wrap up also includes potentially dropping some out right. Also, I'll admit I was partially holding off until Madoka's final two episodes became watchable.

EmperorBrandon

04-23-2011, 04:24 AM

(06)　　Gosick - ◄0► - 10 eps - Need to catch up. Two cour so it got bumped in favor of wrapping up one cour shows and starting Spring.

Do get caught up. There's some nice episodes in there including one that I thought was the best so far. So much wonderful Yuuki Aoi-voiced awesomeness between Madoka and Victorique... :beatingheart:

Suwako Moriya

04-23-2011, 08:45 AM

With the exception of three series, I am almost done with Winter. Two of them, I plan to talk about in a reply once I either finish them or drop them.

The two series in question are Kore wa Zombie Desuka? and Hourou Musuko.

The third series is Gosick and it's a two cour series. All you need to know is this. I'm up to episode 10 and plan to watch more later. Also, I plan to treat it as part of "Spring" updates rather than doing singular Winter updates.

As for everything else? The stuff that I either finished or dropped, well let's get started then, shall we?

Rio - Rainbow Gate! (5=Dropped)

I'm sorry, but I've come to the conclusion that not even Mint herself is worth dealing with how inane and stupid the show was starting to get. Don't get me wrong.

Sometimes silly matches can be fun, but rather than smiling, the show had me rolling my eyes. It's not the worst show ever. In fact, if you want mindless fun, it might work.

However with enough on my plate that includes more than just anime watching, I have to cut something out and I've decided to cut this out entirely.

Mitsudomoe Season 2 (8=Finished)

Sometimes the show went too far, and some jokes fell flat. That being said, the interaction between some of the characters lead to some rather amusing moments. That's about the best way to put it for now. So I'll leave it at that.

Dragon Crisis (12=Finished)

I like Rose, especially after she started to develop some substance. Maruga was awesome. Sapphi is was fun. Misaki was cute with her reactions. Ai is hot. Some of the girls were definitely nice.

What wasn't nice was Onyx dragging down the quality of the show whenever he was involved in the story. Nor was Ryuuji occasionally activating "stupid mode".

The series was decent for the most part, but factors kept it from being great. Which is too bad because it could have been a lot better with some adjustments and changes.

Oniichan no Koto Nanka Zenzen Suki Janain Dakara ne!! (12=Finished)

This series is a classic case of limiting potential. You had some pretty fun female characters with Nao, Iroha, and Mayuka. The later two girls Rin and Ran were nice as well. So how was the potential limited?

A male lead that was for the most part boring. A trio that while sometimes amusing didn't add much. Random censorship of randomness. One minute, X must be censored, the next X is ok to show.

The final set of episodes was err I don't know. The very last episode felt a bit underwhelming. The two before it got rather err ridiculous even for the show itself. So I don't know anymore...

Infinite Stratos (12=Finished)

It's one of those series that you feel is flawed and has weak aspects to it. Yet at the same time it has a certain charm to it. I think it's a combination of the girls being hot and the fact that it made for an easy watch. So I enjoyed in spite of itself?

Fractale (11=Finished)

While I still like the series as a whole, I can't help but feel rather disappointed in it mostly due to the way the story was handled and the handling of the cast.

Enri became a broken record. Phryne was in some ways frustrating. It also felt like they didn't make good use of the time they had. Which was already short enough.

What saved the show from being a disaster is the following. Phryne became more interesting over time. The way it ended wasn't half-bad. Sure there was room for improvement, but you take what you can get.

Level E (13=Finished)

Some episodes were a bit on the weak side and such. Even so the series was surprising enjoyable when it wasn't being weak. Plus the final arc. The way they concluded it was just awesome and quite fitting for the series.

Yumekui Merry (13=Finished)

Let's get the negative out of the way. I wish the anime hadn't cut out a certain plot detail from one of the adapted chapters. Some aspects of the ending arc felt a bit dragged out.

That aside, the series as a whole was pretty good. Merry is one of my favorite characters of the season. Her existence alone gave plenty of reason to keep watching the series.

You also had some other nice females. Engi, Jukai, Isana, etc. Although if I had to pick a second favorite, it would be Yui. just something about her that was appealing.

While perhaps not the best series of the season, this would in some ways be my favorite. Although that can be hard to gauge sometimes since series tend to have different goals from each other.

Puella Magi Madoka Magica (12=Finished)

The series was a pretty powerful experience over all. It was nice that each and every single episode felt like it truly counted. The final episode and the ending was just wow. Sure, there will always be the feeling of the following.

Would more episodes have made it better? Are there select changes that could have improved it? I'm always asking myself that no matter the series in question.

Aside from that however this was one of the best series I've seen so far. Especially in the context of a one cour series. And one that can't rely on pre-existing material.

-----------------------------------------

In the end, Madoka and Merry were the best aspects of the Winter season for me. Whether or not, the remaining shows I need to finish are close to them or not remains to be seen. Hopefully, I'll find time to get around to them and hopefully it will be worth it.

EmperorBrandon

04-24-2011, 12:16 AM

cress2000

04-24-2011, 01:17 AM

Haven't been watching much lately, and haven't even touched any of the Spring shows yet. I finished the Winter shows I was attempting to follow and hadn't dropped, besides Gosick, which is still my #2 of the season.

Winter 2011 (Completed):

Puella Magi Madoka Magica A+
Perfect example of a show that gets better and better as it goes and just DOESN'T STOP. After the main hook, it felt like it was walking a tightrope; one misstep and the whole thing would come to a crashing demise. But Urobochi clearly knew what the hell he was doing, because he totally succeeded. Goddamn...what a show.

I have no faith of this ever coming to R1land and I'm incredibly tempted to pick up those R2 BDs. Though my income is limited, I could surely make room in my budget for them, but there are so many other, likely more useful things, that could be gotten with that kind of money. Decisions, decisions...

Fractale B
No masterpiece here, but I thought it was far from bad or terrible. From people's comments, I expected it to end worse than it did.

The show overall had a nice feel, though. I might end up with FUNi's BD.

Dragon Crisis! D+
It was kind of cute at first, but the story was super bland and felt sloppily written. Not much really stood out to me besides the painting episode. I zoned out a lot in the last few eps not really caring about what was going on. Maybe I should have dropped it, but part of me kept wanting to like it for some reason.

Older (Completed):

Karin B
Since Tokyopop folded, I pulled this out for a run to see if I really wanted the manga, which I had been interested in. I didn't want to risk having to pay more than right now for it if I indeed desired it.

Anyway, I like the early and middle parts of the show well enough (would give them at least a B+), but it gets kind of iffy in the last part, and I'm not sure all of it was handled as well as it could have been. But, from what I know, it's probably not manga-canon anyway. I'm still interested enough to see how this story really goes so I went through with the manga order.

Older (Still watching):

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (40-52) A+
This show never, ever ceases to be absolutely amazing and addictive. Now the punishing wait for the final volume begins.

EmperorBrandon

04-24-2011, 01:33 AM

cress2000

04-24-2011, 01:58 AM

Suwako Moriya

04-24-2011, 02:41 AM

The two series in question are Kore wa Zombie Desuka? and Hourou Musuko.

Korezom and Hourou Musuko are definitely worth finishing. Korezom had some frustrating bits in the later half, but the payoff at the end is great in my opinion. Hourou Musuko is just a good, interesting show throughout even if it didn't excite me as much as others. You probably chose correctly in dropping Rio, though. The few somewhat fun bits don't really make up for the waste of time (if you've got other stuff to watch).

In that case, I'll go ahead and make progress in both Hourou Musuko and Korezom, eventually. I'll probably take care of Korezom first and do Hourou Musko sometime after I'm done with that.

Good to know I was correct in the case of Rio. Both because I like being correct and because it saves me plenty of time. Several episodes worth of time. What?

something

04-24-2011, 04:03 AM

I have no faith of this ever coming to R1land and I'm incredibly tempted to pick up those R2 BDs.It's a series that Aniplex likely has international rights to, and they tend to be good about licensing shows to R1. It's not extremely likely either or anything (magical girl series have almost always had limited appeal in R1), but I think there are quite a few others out of my own most wanted licenses list that would seem much less likely.
Shhh, don't dissuade him. Cress, import the BDs now! You know Madoka deserves it! And there's no better way to show your love.

In that case, I'll go ahead and make progress in both Hourou Musuko and Korezom, eventually. I'll probably take care of Korezom first and do Hourou Musko sometime after I'm done with that.
Hourou Musuko is one of the best shows I've ever seen. The way the characters are written is so good it's just unreal, and Hourou probably left me awestruck at the end of an episode more often than Madoka did. Madoka had the stronger ending by far though, not that Hourou's was at all bad.

Good to know I was correct in the case of Rio. Both because I like being correct and because it saves me plenty of time. Several episodes worth of time. What?
Bah, Rio was really fun, especially once it dropped pretense of being serious after trying for a few weird episodes.

cress2000

04-24-2011, 11:14 AM

something

04-24-2011, 11:15 AM

Shhh, don't dissuade him. Cress, import the BDs now! You know Madoka deserves it! And there's no better way to show your love.I did it...the pain... D:
It's delicious, wonderful pain. =D

Draneor

04-24-2011, 12:04 PM

I did it...the pain... D:

It gets better. Honest! And welcome to the importers club.

EmperorBrandon

04-24-2011, 01:33 PM

Shhh, don't dissuade him. Cress, import the BDs now! You know Madoka deserves it! And there's no better way to show your love.

Oh, I don't mean to dissuade him. If I could, I would import the BD's to support the series and gladly double dip if an R1 release comes around. As it is now, though, I can barely get what I really want in R1...

Yeah...I've always just thought of magical girl being an automatic kiss of death in R1, unless Sailor Moon is somewhere in the title. Hopefully someone out there will recognize that the show's a very different beast and take a chance on it (AND give it a release that does it justice) so long as the licensing fee isn't...too crazy.

Using the Latin name might avoid some of the stigma in the title. :) Well... at the very least, it seems like it would have enough appeal to get some sub-only DVD's by way of one of the companies that usually do that (even though I know that certainly would disappoint those wanting Blu-rays or dubs, but it would still be a license). Clannad seems like the kind of series that would be niche in R1, but it still had enough of a fan base to get it re-released with a dub, and on into the second series.

Draneor

04-24-2011, 05:39 PM

Tier 3
Nichijou (1-2):

A slot opened up in my viewing schedule--due to Hidan no Aria being placed on hold. So I elected to try out Nichijou (also, the fact that it was voted the most disappointing anime of the season--ranking above even every other title I liked--perked my interest). The character designs still seem like a poor man's Yotsuba&!; the content, however, is not similar at all. The music is great, and the show seems over-animated at times. So no complaints there.

I don't deny many of the jokes fall flat for me (especially the professor and her robot, apart from the first encounter). But the goat sub-plot was pretty funny. What sold me, though, was Sasahara playing the virtual boy. I'm definitely enjoying the old school gaming references. Oh, and Mio's notebook. And Misato's confession... Actually, now that I think of it, pretty much all the jokes I laugh at involve Sasahara... He's the best straightman ever. Uh, assuming straightmen can ride goats.

Suwako Moriya

04-25-2011, 02:57 PM

Kore wa Zombie Desuka? (12=Finished)

Stunning. Amazing. Wonderful. The best of the season. Enough about Yuki's figure. Let's talk about the show itself now. The show was over all pretty decent, but had some problems. Let's get the bad out of the way.

There were times that Sera's character got tiring. One of the villains had the power to bore people to death. A certain character decided to make stupid choices. Plus, it felt like there was too much "Just because".

On the positive side, Yuu was adorable and the seiyuu stuff with her was amusing. Haruna was rather fun. Oh, and Yuki was hot and a nice late addition.

Oh, and a certain event in episode 11 was nice to see. One related to the music played during it. Also, episode 12 was a pretty fun and had definite benefits to it. So there's that.
----------------------------------------
Yeah, I still have one more show, but since I can't say the exact moment that I'll get around to it, I decided to just comment on this while it's fresher in my mind.

cress2000

04-25-2011, 03:13 PM

I did it...the pain... D:

It gets better. Honest! And welcome to the importers club.

I want to believe! Seriously, I can't make this a regular thing. :sweat: I did get the Nanoha movie last year, though.

Yeah...I've always just thought of magical girl being an automatic kiss of death in R1, unless Sailor Moon is somewhere in the title. Hopefully someone out there will recognize that the show's a very different beast and take a chance on it (AND give it a release that does it justice) so long as the licensing fee isn't...too crazy.

Using the Latin name might avoid some of the stigma in the title. :) Well... at the very least, it seems like it would have enough appeal to get some sub-only DVD's by way of one of the companies that usually do that (even though I know that certainly would disappoint those wanting Blu-rays or dubs, but it would still be a license). Clannad seems like the kind of series that would be niche in R1, but it still had enough of a fan base to get it re-released with a dub, and on into the second series.

Yeah, the latin name would probably be the ideal choice for a release over here. If it's lucky enough to make it over at all and sub-only, hopefully it's NISA or Aniplex themselves since they seem to be the only ones not opposed to the release of sub-only BDs.

*submits Madoka import BDs to the DVDaf database*...although they declined me for volumes 3-6 for not having cover art yet. :/

Buckeye

04-26-2011, 01:40 PM

Next up, I am getting ready to finish of Puella Magi Madoka Magica with the last two episodes coming on Thursday.
And I finished that up right after coming home on Sunday night. This is quite the show as it talks about how being a magic girls is not what it seems to be. It used lots of great visuals that I typically associate with Satoshi Kon, and the final two episodes were just amazing to watch. The way Madoka took matters into her own hands was a great way to bring this series to a close. I can see that somebody will license this title soon.

As for what I will do next, that is up in the air at the moment. In the meantime, I have been watching Summer Wars and the Tsubasa OVAs, as well as watching Bleach, Kekkaishi, and FMA-B on Adult Swim. I am also planning to catch up on Pokemon as I am currently at the Sinnoh League portion. As for titles coming out during the spring, I am definitely watching Tiger and Bunny as it airs, and right now I am deciding between Sengoku Otome, Steins;Gate, Under the Innocent Sky, and Nichijou as for what other series I will follow this season.

pianocello

04-27-2011, 11:42 AM

Currently watching (episodes watched up to in brackets):
Outstanding
None

Very Good
Onichan no Koto (3)
Male lead is starting to annoy me but at least the humor still works.

Star Driver (3)
I still haven't a clue what's going on but it's fun and sexy enough to continue.

To Aru Majutsu no Index II (7)
I felt sorry for the villain.

Good
Rio Rainbowgate (2)
This is really dumb and silly but has enough fanservice to keep me watching.

Average
Fractale (finished)
Last 2 minutes saved this show as I was getting tired of Clain freaking out at female nudity. There's also Phryne who should spend more time providing fanservice instead of annoying people with her behaviour.

Legend of the Legendary Heroes (6)
It's not bad enough to drop yet but I'm really losing motivation to continue.

Yumekui Merry (2)
While the production values are still good, this show is reminding me of Shana in a bad way and I'm starting to find the story a little boring.

Kore wa Zombie Desu ka (2)
Unlikable female cast

Level E (1)
I thought the attempts at humor were corny and since I don't seem to be the target demographic since it seems to be targeted towards the yaoi doujinshi crowd, I found this dull.

Below average
Kowarekake no Orgel
This seems like it borrows elements from various anime and yet doesn't try to do anything new or do it well.

tadakichi

04-27-2011, 05:45 PM

Level E (1)
I thought the attempts at humor were corny and since I don't seem to be the target demographic since it seems to be targeted towards the yaoi doujinshi crowd, I found this dull.

I can sort of see why you'd think that given the Prince's character design and him appearing half-naked with his pants unzipped in the OP animation, but... no. It's based on a 90's Shounen Jump manga, for pete's sake.

I suppose it's inspired plenty of yaoi doujinshi, not that I really care to check, but that's not the same thing.

Glamrgrl104

04-28-2011, 09:49 AM

School Rumble s2 disc 3- Hilarious although I still feel sorry for Harima.
K-on vol. 1- I was surprised I really liked it. It has a Lucky star/Azumanga daioh/ Bamboo blade feel to it. I thought it was really cute and very well in the future might be a title I pick up. I am just sad it is only 4 episodes per disc. Another title on my wishlist lol.

Chrome Shelled Regios-disc 1-p1-episodes 1-5- I've been wanting to watch this ever since I watched the sample episode on Funi online. I didn't care for Eva much, but I quite like this one all the same.

Chrome shelled Regios disc 2- Just gets better and better; I would also like to see P2 and Hero tales.

chrome shelled Regios-disc 3- each episode is filled with action love it!

gnikdrazil

05-02-2011, 09:14 AM

Dragon Ball Z Kai (40-52) - I thought revisiting the series after 15 years would be fun. I remember back in the mid 90s and waking up on Sunday morning to watch Dragon Ball Z when it was licensed by Pioneer. I had no idea what I was watching but loved all of the masochism. I always got disappointed when it would get to Goku ready to fight the Ginyu Force, but would restart the entire broadcast. I never did watch it on Toonami. I've seen enough of Freeza and just want this arc to wrap up. Too bad this set doesn't do that. I'll have to wait until June.

Eden of the East: King of Eden - I watched Air Communication before jumping into the main feature to reacquaint myself with the series. The EofE group members commenting throughout had some fun lines. Afterward, it was disappointing to watch King of Eden. Nothing really happened, and there wasn't much new information. It took a giant step backwards by giving Takizawa memory loss again. It got better when he is finally found by Saki. Those two are the heart of the series which makes the movie re-watchable. I just hope Paradise Lost does a good job of wrapping things up.

Gurren Lagann (1-15) - I just find this series to be so much fun. This is my forth time, and I keep finding it energetic. I should really pick up the compilation films and check them out.

pathos

05-02-2011, 10:25 AM

Chrome Shelled Regios-disc 1-p1-episodes 1-5- I've been wanting to watch this ever since I watched the sample episode on Funi online. I didn't care for Eva much, but I quite like this one all the same.

Chrome shelled Regios disc 2- Just gets better and better; I would also like to see P2 and Hero tales.

chrome shelled Regios-disc 3- each episode is filled with action love it!

Well, I'm glad someone besides me actually liked the show. Sometimes I felt like I was the only one that actively liked the show, instead of merely tolerating it :P

As for my spring watch list, in order of favorites

1. Steins:Gate - easily my favorite of the spring season.

2. The World God Only Knows s2 - This season has 2 of my favorite arcs, pls 1 of my favorite characters. Nothing but win (except the 1 upcoming arc I'll probably dislike :D )

3. Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko - this show makes me consistantly laugh. And, I like all the characters introduced so far

4. Hidan no Aria - I've actually read 3 of the light novels, so I already pretty much know what to expect for this show. I am getting slightly tired of a certain character type, however.

5. Hoshizora e Kakeru Hashi - sort of a light and fluffy harem style show. Nothing amazing about it, but the character designs are nice, and only a couple characters who I don't just flat out like

6. Sket Dance - I actually tried out some of the manga previously. It didn't grab me right off the bat, so I put it away to try again at a later date. I found the show alot more likeable from the start. I'll probably get around to the manga again alot quicker.

7. Lotte no Omocha - I generally don't watch alot of shows that gives alot of fanservice from characters under a certain age. And while it's still present in this show, the plot is engaging enough for me to overlook it...as long as it doesn't get any worse than it is currently.

8. Ore-tachi ni Tsubasa wa Nai - Originally, I liked certain parts of the show, and disliked others. But, a certain plot development in episode 4 has actually made me more interested in the show as a whole. Definately curious about how things are shaping up.

9. Dog Days - another light and fluffy show, with nothing amazing or terrible to say about it.

10 C - The Money of Soul and Possibility Control - I'm still sort of up in the air about this one. It does have some interesting things about it. But, as a whole, hasn't really grabbed my attention yet.

11. Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae o Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai - I've only watched the first episode as of yet. It actually seems to be quite well made, with an interesting story. But, it also seems like it's headed towards a tear jerking direction. I don't mind those types of shows, but I have to be in a certain type of mood to actually watch them.

12. Nichijou - sort of a poor man's Azumanga. Not nearly as funny as Azumanga though. It does have its moments here and there, which is why I'm still watching it. The scientist and her robot are probably the least amusing thing about the show. They did get slightly more funny when they added Sakamoto though.

13. Tiger and Bunny - Another show I'm behind on. Only watched 2 episodes. I am interested in seeing more of it eventually, but it's fallen behind some of the other shows I like better.

14. Blue Exorcist - I've watched 2 episodes. I'll probably give it 1 or 2 more, to see if it gets any better.

15 Deadman Wonderland - I've still only watched the first episode of this. I didn't actually dislike it. But, I've already got alot of watch as it is. Perhaps I'll watch more of it when this current season is over.

Still watching..

Gosick - characters are interesting. Plot has never really grabbed me. Decent, without being actually good.

Beelzebub - I'm a fan of the manga, the show has been slightly dissapointing. Especially with the long run of filler. At least, with the last episode, although filler, they seem to be getting back on track towards the actual plot.

Fairy Tail - I actually prefer to watch this a few episodes at a time. Currently behind 4 or 5 episodes, so it's about time i got caught back up again.

dropped

Soft Tennis - I found it to be completely non funny. I thought I'd watch more than the first episode, if for nothing but the fanservice. But, I haven't, and i can't even call myself watching it anymore.

A Channel - another one I really found nothing likeable after 1 episode. No motivation to watch more episodes.

Hen Zemi - 1 episode was plenty for me, thanks

Moshidora - a show about baseball, where the managers are the story, and the team is a side story? Sounded interesting enough, but after 2 episodes I was pretty bored

Sengoku Otome - 1 episode, dropped, cause, boredom

something

05-02-2011, 10:50 AM

Buckeye

05-02-2011, 11:21 AM

I decided that I would catch up on Bleach after finishing off Puella Magi Madoka Magi and here is everything that I had planned to watch for this season with updates as to how far I am along in watching them:

First off, the ongoing series:

Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood (39-42)
Bleach (191-202)
Kekkaishi (41-42)
Pokemon (Still haven't watched since the Sinnoh League)
Puella Magi Madoka Magica (Finished)
Fractale (Finished)Now for newly watched stuff from the beginning that I at least plan on checking out:

B Gata H Kei (Finished)
Clannad After Story (Finished)
Otome Youkai Zakuro (Finished)
Familiar of Zero season 3 (Finished)
Kore wa Zombie Desu (Finished)
Shattered Angels (Haven't started)
Nichijou (1)
Oretachi ni Tsubasa wa Nai -Under the Innocent Sky (1)
Steins Gate (1)
Sengoku Otome (1-3)
Tiger & Bunny (1-5)

In addition, I also watched the Summer Wars movie and the Tsubasa OVAs. As for Spring 2011 new shows, I will continue to watch Tiger and Bunny as it somes out. As for the second show I am following, I am leaning towards Sengoku Otome at the moment. Right now, I am planning to catch up on Kekkaishi, which is on episode 48 on the Adult Swim broadcast.

One more thing is that with the forums moving that I have created this thread over on the new forums.

pianocello

05-02-2011, 11:21 AM

Currently watching (episodes watched up to in brackets):
Outstanding
None

Very Good
Onichan no Koto (8)
I'm a little disappointed that Nao has turned from a love interest to merely a voyeur. Still, the jokes are really funny.

Star Driver (4)
At this point, they still don't seem to explain anything but it's silly enough to like.

To Aru Majutsu no Index II (7)
It's a good show but I prefer Railgun.

Good
Rio Rainbowgate (3)
Silly, dumb and ridiculous but has likable characters and decent occasional fanservice so worth watching.

Average
None

Below Average
Legend of the Legendary Heroes (finished)
Ultimately a waste of time with its ham-fisted direction. Ferris is in the wrong show.

Yumekui Merry (finished)
1st episode was promising but it went downhill after that. Boring story.

Kore wa Zombie Desu ka (finished)
The female cast became marginally more tolerable towards the end but it was too late to save this show.

Level E (finished)
Bad, corny humor. Uninteresting cast.

Renzo

05-02-2011, 06:36 PM

I watched these yesterday:

Deadman Wonderland (1) - Very interesting premise. (8.5/10)
Steins;Gate (1) - Interesting characters with a time-traveling theme. (8/10)
Blue Exorcist (1) - Natural dialouge and beautiful animation. (8/10)
Hanasaku Iroha (1) - Slice-of-life show with neat character designs. (8/10)
Gosick (1) - Seems to have some potential. (7.5/10)
World God Only Knows (1) - I can't help but laugh at the premise. (7/10)
Level E (1) - Really random with some odd characters. (7/10)

Really decent season thus far, which is a nice change.

Garasharp K7

05-02-2011, 07:28 PM

Well, I'm glad someone besides me actually liked the show. Sometimes I felt like I was the only one that actively liked the show, instead of merely tolerating it :P
I think a couple of us here liked Regios well enough, thanks in large part to Felli. My main issue is that without a second season, it all feels a bit like, when all is said and done, it's not really gone anywhere. I'm not holding my breath for a sequel at this point though.

I liked it too, and I really enjoyed going back to the series recently thanks to the dvds. But the more I think of it, I reckon the show was really just an advertisement for the novels and that was it. I know I want to read 'em now after finishing the series.

And Felli was - and still is - great, but Leerin's starting to grow on me now after watching it again. :)

gnikdrazil

05-03-2011, 06:59 PM

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (40-52) - The series is just awesome. The first series did a good job with its own plot after diverging from the source material, but this series eclipses it. Brotherhood has more of an epic scale where the first was a more personal scale. Can't wait to get the final set.

Glamrgrl104

05-03-2011, 10:26 PM

Glamrgrl104

05-04-2011, 09:28 PM

Summer Wars- Love love love this movie so inventive and fun. Got rid of some of the stress I am having. Still got HW to do before midnight though :(

Buckeye

05-07-2011, 09:19 AM

I just catched up on Bleach and Kekkaishi, and so I am caught up with all the Adult Swim stuff after falling way behind on those two series. I have just started to play Pokemon Black, so I will finish up the Sinnoh season (from the episode just after Ash and company arrive at the Sinnoh League) and start the Pokemon Black and White season. I finally got around to watching the first volume of K-On! on BD, and I am also planning to watch the first Eden of the East movie tonight.

This post marks #10,000 and is also the final time I post in this thread on Mania. Everything I will do from hereon out will be on this thread (http://www.fandompost.com/forums/showthread.php?824-Currently-Watching-(Spring-2011-Edition)) at the Fandom Post.

pianocello

05-07-2011, 11:53 AM

Currently watching (episodes watched up to in brackets):
Outstanding
Puella Magi Madoka Magica (1)
I normally don't like Shaft's style of directing but the amazing budget and style makes this probably makes the hype worth it. This show is to 2011 what Nanoha was to the mahou shoujo genre in the last few years. Now if only this show has yuri....

Very Good
Onichan no Koto (finished)
Overall the show was hit and miss and there was too much of the AGE group. Still when the show was funny, it was REALLY funny.

Star Driver (5)
I love it when the show acts silly since at this point, the plot still makes no sense.

To Aru Majutsu no Index II (8)
They seem to be pushing the fanservice this season and I love it.

Good
Rio Rainbowgate (6)
Now at least this show is doing some things right. It's an ecchi show and the plot isn't exactly its strong point - so the show does a fantastic job of knowing how silly and ridiculous it is. Amusing show that does a good job of reducing one's stress.

Average
Freezing (1)
Things might still change and get better in upcoming episodes but for an ecchi show, this is doing several things wrong. The show is taking itself too seriously and some humor would have helped lift the show from its dreary mood. This show seriously doesn't need males in the cast since the male lead ruins the show by acting like a total overgrown baby. It's extremely rare that the first episode of an ecchi show doesn't have me interested in checking out the doujinshi because frankly speaking, I don't give a damn about the cast.

Below Average
None

Glamrgrl104

05-08-2011, 03:54 PM

Eden of the east KOE movie- AWESOME! short but pretty awesome. I wish it was at least two hours like other anime movies, but alas. I guess I'll have to wait for the next movie to see what happens.

Yu yu hakusho-1st season finished-second season disc 3- Wonderful addicting fighting series.

NON Anime:

Mortal Kombat- The live action film would have been better as an anime, but I know it was based off a game; I remember playing it at the arcade lol. It was corny but in a good way XD

Green Hornet- Kado steals the show; the villian was kind of dissappointing, but overall a good movie.

After I am done with this series onto Jy oh sei. Depends how much time I have.

Glamrgrl104

05-14-2011, 09:15 PM

Yu yu Hakusho-season 4 finished- 4th best ending for an anime I've seen.

Jyu Oh sei episodes 1-11- Action packed series; I didn't remember it ending like that, but I guess it fits.

Full Metal Panic TSR discs 1-4- A brilliant third season to the FMP series; the OVA is hilarious too.

Story of Saiunkoku p1,p2 discs 1-5- Wonderful. I never get tired of this series; I wish there were more animes like this.

pianocello

05-15-2011, 10:57 AM

Currently watching (episodes watched up to in brackets):
Outstanding
Puella Magi Madoka Magica (finished)
Despite my misgivings about certain aspects of the show, the last 3 episodes really had me crying. Therefore this is worth watching

Very Good
To Aru Majutsu no Index II (14)
Index seem to have become nothing more than a plot device and airhead. They've compensated by pushing up the fanservice so I'm not complaining.

Good
Rio Rainbowgate (finished)
Silly and fun all the way though.

Star Driver (7)
Still a decent show but the current focus on Sugata bores me - he's a bland character.

Average
Freezing (3)
The show might get better but the moronic cluelessness of the male lead is painful to watch

Below Average
None

Glamrgrl104

05-18-2011, 08:21 PM

Story of Saiunkoku Season 2- Wow this would make an amazing dub if Funi picked up the next season. I don't mind watching it in subbed either. A wonderful ending to a wonderful anime although some things have yet to be revealed Why did Hyou riou just give up chasing after Shurrei? He wanted to get his revenge on Shouka. At least everything went well with Shurrei and Ryuki; I was worried that she'd fall in love with a bad guy again lol.

Fushigi yugi-episodes 1-6- A funny series; I like the older animation it reminds me of Yu yu Hakusho. Humor, over the top plot and a little romance. Although this series can't compare to YYH it is a good shoujo anime.

Glamrgrl104

05-19-2011, 11:51 PM

Midori days episodes 1-6- I forgot how hilarious this show is I am definitely going to pick it up sometime.

Peach Girl-episodes 1-12-I am glad that I got passed the first four episodes before that I was unsure about this series and really hated the characters, but maybe my tastes are changing in anime. It is a funny romantic drama filled high school life anime. I don't know if I'll buy this one; I will have to see after watching the whole series.

Outlaw star-rewatch discs 1-4- A cool space anime.

Glamrgrl104

05-20-2011, 01:57 PM

Peach Girl Episodes 12-25 finished- This series gets better in the 2nd half. Tons of drama, but I am quite liking this one now. AWWW everything works out in the end and she got with the right guy lol. I don't see what momo saw in Tojii hes controlling, always has a glare on his face and stern looking although he is a nice guy too. I love Kairi hes sweet, funny and is really caring. You really hate sai in the beginning and middle, but then at the end she turns out to be really nice. Maybe will pick up the Save edition of this series.

Outlaw star discs 4-6-finished-rewatch- I love the action in this one with just a little dash of humor.

Non anime:

You're Beautiful-episodes 1&2-rewatch- Hilarious. I love this kdrama.

pianocello

05-23-2011, 09:41 AM

Currently watching (episodes watched up to in brackets):
Outstanding
None

Very Good
To Aru Majutsu no Index II (finished)
This season has some ridiculous stories and poor directing. It does have good fanservice though and it's always satisfying to see characters being punched in the face.

Good
Star Driver (20)
At this point, the show is either deliberately keeping a lot of things in mystery or the directing is poor and the director has no idea how to explain plot points. In any case, I like some of the high school hijinks though I think Sugata and Keito are very boring characters.

Average
Freezing (finished)
The last 4 episodes showed some hints of how this could have been a better anime. The fact remains though - the male lead is a stunningly braindead moron.

Loups=Garous
This is a recent anime movie with murder and sci-fi elements. It showed promise but the story lost direction and in the end, I didn't give a damn about the characters and the story due to the poor planning.

Below Average
None

sickVisionz

05-23-2011, 10:11 AM

I just finished Dragon Crisis! earlier today. Hopefully I'll finish up Rio:Rainbow Gate this season as well. I'm only about 3 episodes from the end but I haven't watched it in about 2 months.

The currently airing shows that I'm watching are
We Without Wings (enjoying)
Steins;Gate (loving)
HanaSaku Iroha (loving)
Nichijou (watching for some odd reason even though I don't like 90% of any given episode and I'm prone to quickly drop a show)
Naruto Shippuden (was loving but now I'm just enjoying since a fight I anticipated ended up looking mediocre in the anime)
Bleach (loving)

Glamrgrl104

05-23-2011, 01:50 PM

Baccano discs 1-4- A hell of a ride. I love all the characters and just the uniqueness of this anime wonderful! I watched it all in one day!

Tsubasa resevoir chronicles- discs 1 & 2- I still like this anime although I skipped over one of the episodes since I find some of the episodes too slow and boring. I like the relationship of the characters and the fantasy in it.

Glamrgrl104

05-24-2011, 11:58 PM

Tsubasa resevoir chronicles and OVAS- WOW it was even better the 2nd time watching it through along with the OVAS this series would be in my top 10 if not for the open ending there is so much other stuff that needs to be explained. How far is the manga into this is it still ongoing or at the end of the OVAS does the manga end there?

Glamrgrl104

05-27-2011, 11:33 AM

Boys over flowers anime-discs 1-12- I never get tired of this romance anime. :3

Fushigi yugi-episodes 12-17- I am liking this series so far. It is hilarious and filled with drama. Some of the characters are hard to love and there is not much character development, but for some reason this fantasy anime filled with campy humor makes me still want to watch it lol.

pianocello

05-28-2011, 07:19 AM

Having more or less finished most of the Winter 2011 anime and its holdovers, it's time for me to do a wrapup of the best and worst of that season. With the exception of Madoka Magica and Mitsudomoe, this was generally a so-so season.
In order from the best to the worst of the Winter 2011 anime season (including holdover from Fall 2010):

Outstanding
Puella Magi Madoka Magica
When Nanoha first came out, fans were raving about how Nanoha revolutionalize the magical girl genre. With Madoka Magica, I don't think the mahou shoujo genre will ever be the same again especially with how the animal mascot is depicted. For me though, what really worked for me was how the last few episodes moved me to tears and the very strong yuri overtones in the last few episodes.

Mitsudomoe Zoryuchou
While this was too short, the jokes still manage to hit the target. Arguably one of the funniest comedies of recent years.

Very Good
Onichan no Koto Nanka Zenzen Suki Janai Dakara ne
I don't like how they chickened out of the incest topic and how the last few episodes wasn't as funny and the AGE group was a waste of time. Still, when it was funny. It was REALLY funny.

To Aru Majutsu no Index 2
Some of the plot twists and story directions were facepalm-inducing. The increase in fanservice and numerous scenes of characters being punched in the face were the main attractions of this scene. Fukiyose is a welcome addition to the cast.

Good
Fractale
This had a strong beginning and some good character designs but halfway, the show didn't seem to know what it was trying to do. Phryne was an extremely frustrating character but wins bonus points for not being shy about nudity. Ending was okay I guess.

Rio Rainbow Gate
Really silly show but it was fun to watch. Bonus points for an awesome symmetrical docking scene.

Average
Star Driver
Rather weak ending and lame romantic relationships. Not to mention that Sugata and Keito are extremely boring characters. It's a pity because it did show potential and Mizuno was a great character whenever she was around.

Dragon Crisis!
The arc with the wolf girl was the best. The ending was a major letdown and the show never really reached the best of what it should have been.

Freezing
Potential was shown in the last 4 episodes but they wasted the first 8 episodes with too much annoyingly sadistic hazing and a moronic male lead.

Below Average
Yumekui Merry
A very promising first episode soon spiralled down to forgettable mediocrity.

Awful
Kore wa Zombie Desu Ka
The show was ruined by an extremely unlikable and female cast. One of the least likable harem shows in recent years.

Level E
The forced humor makes me want to barf.

Super Robot Wars OG
Unless you are a hardcore mecha head, I cannot recommend this horrible show. This is a strong contender for the worst anime of 2011.

something

05-28-2011, 07:30 AM

Puella Magi Madoka Magica
When Nanoha first came out, fans were raving about how Nanoha revolutionalize the magical girl genre. With Madoka Magica, I don't think the mahou shoujo genre will ever be the same again especially with how the animal mascot is depicted.
As great and creative as Madoka is, I think it's so far removed from traditional mahou shoujo series that it will actually have no effect on the majority of them. It simply would not be a wise decision to incorporate its more unique aspects into a standard mahou shoujo anime aimed at young girls (as opposed to the adult male target audience of Madoka).

It could have an impact on "serious late night magical girl shows for adults" but that's a pretty small category - unless Madoka creates copycats.

something

05-30-2011, 05:28 PM

4/17/2011 update (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showthread.php?p=1931874#post1931874).

Okay! I don't think I'm more than 2 episodes behind on any of the Spring series I intend to finish. I should get this in now while I have a chance, since it's been so long. I can't remember any season where I've gotten this consistently and massively behind. Only having 2 useful days a week to watch anime is seriously not enough when there are so many shows!

And I totally need two "R2-worthy" tiers since there are so many worthwhile shows this season.

Guaranteed R2 Import Tier
(01)　　Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae wo Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai - ▲2 - 6 eps - Woah, I haven't commented since episode one. Suffice to say, everything since has been perfect. It's a worthy successor to Hourou Musuko in this slot, an that is the highest kind of praise. Naruko is, actually, topping Menma as my favorite character in the show right now. [Import - Guaranteed if no last-second collapse.]

(02)　　Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko - ▼1 - 7 eps - A decision, questioned by many at the time, to wrap one plot point up earlier than expected has proven itself to be the right choice. I guess I can't talk about it much without spoiling, but Erio has become an even more beautiful character. The biggest relative gain has been for Maekawa, who took me from ambivalence to intense interest in the last few episodes, in a very Sasameki Koto Tomoe sort of way. Shaft is derping on the character models here and there, as they always do, but when they get close-up on Erio she always seems to get an extra helping of love and care from the animators. She's easily the most gorgeous character of the season and possibly the past few years. Certainly it's one of the most exquisitely executed character designs I can come up with. [Import - Guaranteed if no last-second collapse.]

(03)　　Nichijou - ▼1 - 7 eps - Oooh, I see good things coming... I just hope it happens sooner rather than later. Although with 26 episodes we're not pressed for time and I am enjoying the hell out of everything right now anyway. The biggest positive development since I last commented at episode 3 is that I really love Yuuko now; a damn good thing since she's one half of the de facto protagonist pairing. [Import - Already ordered!]

Potential R2 Import Tier
(04)　　Steins;Gate - ▲1 - 8 eps - This show has achieved so much already with awesome character interaction, but with the plot really, really kicking in and some questions being answered (but leaving more of course) I am utterly excited to find out where it can go with two full cour to play with. Mayushii still > all. [Import - Too early to call most 2-cour shows, but its current level is well within import range.]

(05)　　Hanasaku Iroha - ▼1 - 8 eps - Everything about this show is spot on except Kou-chan. I instinctively dislike him and his role in the show and thus that means I'm going to dislike what is inevitably going to be the main romance in the end. Ah well... the only blight on a show that otherwise gets everything right. I have nothing to complain about thus far in terms of what's actually happened, and Ohana is establishing her place at the inn beautifully, but there's that encroaching storm cloud staining the beautiful horizon for me, that puts a slight damper on everything at the moment. [Import - I like it a lot it but Steins;Gate is really widening the gap lately; it could even be overtaken by Lotte or Sengoku.]

(06)　　Astarotte no Omocha! - ▲8 - 6 eps - Biggest positive change by far. I'm blown away at how good this got. Anyone who wrote it off as loliservice fluff is so dramatically off the mark it's not even funny. Recent episodes have had some of the best emotional moments of the season and the way Lotte's mother turned out is such a pleasant surprise. And Asuha remade this show, taking it up to the next level (or three). Her relationship with Lotte is going to be one of my fondest memories of Spring 2011. [Import - This or Sengoku look poised to jump in should Hanasaku stumble badly. Or if I lose my mind and try to import six shows in one season.]

(07)　　Sengoku Otome: Momoiro Paradox - ▲2 - 7 eps - Still not quite on par with Koihime Musou for me (the yuri is generally tamer), but I daresay I like Hide-tan more than almost any Koihime character. I can't really explain my love for her... she just encompasses so many things I love about a character, I guess, from personality to voice to design. Tokunyan is damn epic too, and easily the hottest character (though Hide is cutest and overall favorite). [Import - Same as Lotte.]

Wish I could Import Tier
(08)　　Oretachi ni Tsubasa wa Nai - ▼2 - 8 eps - I can't remember the last show that did batshit insane this damn well. Easily the most unique anime I've ever seen from a visual novel source. A few episodes ago I never thought I'd say this, but the story even makes some sense. I was incredibly intrigued by this show from the beginning but that's just grown every episode. 8's ending was quite the cliffhanger too - I have no idea where it'll all end up but it should be fascinating.

(09)　　Dog Days - ▲1 - 8 eps - I'm amazed at how solid this show has remained. It has done very well to avoid being too cliche (somehow!) but the real strength is the amazing cast. Yukki, Eclair, Rico, Milly, Leo-hime, pretty much every character is a total blast. The seiyuu cast is perversely good, the girls are hot across the board, the animation is pretty consistent and competent for a Seven Arcs show, and the OP is great. Even the story is coming along pretty well, surprisingly.

(10)　　A-Channel - ▼3 - 8 ep - It does cute, relaxing, and funny very well. I like cute, I like relaxing and I like funny. Oh, Yuuko being all kinds of sexy is nice too. Kotobuki Minako + Yuuki Aoi is a pairing that can't really go wrong. I love all four of the core cast, and my favorite side character, Mipo-rin, may just be the cutest character in the show. Great OP sequence too, definitely one of the most visually appealing this season.

Non-import Tier
(11)　　Kami nomi zo Shiru Sekai II - ▲1 - 6 eps - I admit, this season was not grabbing me. It didn't do anything egregiously wrong but I was feeling very little motivation to watch it each time I sat down to go through some more anime. If I had to guess why, I'd guess that I'm feeling impatient for a change in the formula now. I need something to mix it up. Episodes 5-6 were the best of the season because they've shown hints of that, and I am quite enjoying Chihiro's arc, though for someone else even more than for her. I do like Haqua too of course.

(12)　　Hoshizora e Kakaru Hashi - ▼1 - 7 eps - Halfway through and everything is by the numbers, but they're numbers I like. This show's one unique point is the shota otouto, and I'm pretty damn sure Kazuma is more aroused by him than any of the girls. Best part about the show for me is easily the three Toudou sisters. They're all profoundly different from one another and all lovely.

(13)　　Sket Dance - ◄0► - 7 eps - Ah, episode 6 was the hook I needed to keep going. Momoka x Himeko now please.

OVAs, Specials, other oddities
Fairy Tail - 77 eps - Something like 4 eps behind, so I don't have a lot to add at the moment other than that this arc sure started dramatically.
Suite Precure - 14 eps - Big marathon recently to bring me up to date (at that time anyway). It's pretty good so far and HibiKana provide better, more blatant yuri fodder than any pairing did in in Heartcatch, and their designs are much hotter. Still, something really needs to be done about the lame villains. I thought Heartcatch was bad in that respect, but at least it had Dark Precure. And Sabaaku/Dune were at least somewhat intimidating, whereas Mephisto or whatever his name is is a god damn clown. ...But I can't pretend I really care too much. It's all about sexy HibiKana for me. <3
Yutori-chan - 10 eps - Still forgetting to watch this.

Ranking on hold
Hidan no Aria - 1 ep - On hold for now, may marathon it later if there's a lull between seasons (note: there won't be).

Dropped:
C - 2 eps - Far too much 3DCG, and far too ugly and far to disruptive, for me to possibly stomach watching any more. A thousand curses on them for ruining a show with the great Mashu in it. Ah well. Frees up time for other shows.
30-sai no Hoken Taiiku - 2 eps - Absolutely obscene censorship, and the show is just not interesting enough to make sitting through the censors worth it.
Deadman Wonderland - 2 eps - Might stick it out a bit longer in a less competitive season, but not this time.
Toriko - 1 ep
Hen Zemi - 1 ep

Still need/plan to try (may not have aired):
none

(Blah blah disclaimer, the number on a tier is not at all indicative of a show's absolute quality, merely its quality relative to the other shows on the list).

I've dropped a lot but still can't keep up, so making the choice to axe some shows wasn't hard. I also passed on starting Sekai-ichi and Ao no Exorcist for lack of time. I don't think any of the 13 shows remaining is in any danger of a drop, though. The 1-cours are over halfway and the two cour shows are all more than strong enough, except Sket Dance if it takes a turn for the worse.

What's really interesting is that while I've cut out quite a lot this season, a large number of the shows I'm continuing with are all shows I'd import if I could afford it. 3 was supposed to be my max per season, but that won't work this time. Even so, 10 is obviously completely out of the question... "Potential" tier looks to be where the most cruel choices will need to be made. At least one of those needs to get dropped, and if I'm being realistic then at least two should.

EmperorBrandon

05-30-2011, 06:46 PM

30-sai no Hoken Taiiku - 2 eps - Absolutely obscene censorship, and the show is just not interesting enough to make sitting through the censors worth it.

It stays thoroughly uninteresting, even when more female characters joining the cast. I wouldn't bother with it even if it were uncensored. C, on the other hand, has been pretty interesting (just recently caught up a good bit on it), but not really enough for me to care to push it.

HitokiriShadow

05-30-2011, 10:12 PM

(05)　　Hanasaku Iroha - ▼1 - 8 eps - Everything about this show is spot on except Kou-chan. I instinctively dislike him and his role in the show and thus that means I'm going to dislike what is inevitably going to be the main romance in the end. Import - I like it a lot it but Steins;Gate is really widening the gap lately; it could even be overtaken by Lotte or Sengoku.]

This is my one definite import for the season. It's just blowing everything else away for me. I really don't have a problem with Kou at this point. Not being the lead and his romantic relationship being a tertiary plot point mean he's far less likely to suffer from the issues typical male leads do, and so far I've just seen nothing about him to dislike.

Astarotte no Omocha! [Import - This or Sengoku look poised to jump in should Hanasaku stumble badly. Or if I lose my mind and try to import six shows in one season.]
While part of me is inclined to put this one the same level as several other shows this season, something about it is just really hitting the right buttons for me. I still haven't quite decided if I want to import this, mainly because I really don't think I should buy a second series this season. But I really, really want to and did have some of the BDs ordered for a little while. Of course, then after I cancel the Astarotte BDs in an order, *I* lose my mind and decide to spend ~$150 to import a game later this year, and I'm pretty much locked into that now that I've placed the order. So, um, yeah. If you can afford to lose your mind, its pretty fun, even if you cringe when you look at your bank account.

Ranking on hold
Hidan no Aria - 1 ep - On hold for now, may marathon it later if there's a lull between seasons (note: there won't be).I'm moderately enjoying it, but while it has its moments, its really not living up to its potential for the most part. The premise is ridiculous and kind of stupid, but the first episode had enough energy and to make it fun. Most of the rest of the show hasn't been able to keep that up and gets bogged down by mediocrity. And the plot point behind Aria's motives is.... annoying and stupid. Frankly, you won't miss out on much by skipping out on this.

Dropped:
C - 2 eps - Far too much 3DCG, and far too ugly and far to disruptive, for me to possibly stomach watching any more. A thousand curses on them for ruining a show with the great Mashu in it. Ah well. Frees up time for other shows.

Deadman Wonderland - 2 eps - Might stick it out a bit longer in a less competitive season, but not this time.The 3D CG in C's next two episodes weren't nearly as bad, and were limited to about 3 seconds of Mashu in each episode. The bigger problem is that there just isn't enough of her to make the show sticking with, and there's really not much else going for it. There's nothing inherently wrong with the premise, but it just isn't working. It doesn't help that the battles make almost no goddamn sense.

As for Deadman Wonderland... well, Nessa Mk.2 really is the only thing this show has going for it. There's some potential in the plot, but after a few more episodes, it looks like it wants to be a sort of shonen tournament fighter. Except its not really a tournament, just a series of deathmatches. Well, they don't have to end in deaths, but the losers... well, its not pleasant for them. For once, I was actually *glad* they decided to censor 95% of the screen.

something

05-30-2011, 10:34 PM

If you can afford to lose your mind, its pretty fun, even if you cringe when you look at your bank account.
Yeah. But when I think that importing 6 Spring series would mean I hit my 2010 total (10 shows) only halfway through 2011, well... there's a point where too much is too much. If possible I'll keep to 4, which essentially locks Steins;Gate in the last slot as of today. I probably could have done without importing 4 in Winter and dropped Merry or Zombie, but such are the dangers of importing - you can't know in one season what you'll like the next. I could just stop buying one of them but having an incomplete series feels wrong, and I do like those shows a lot. Even If I totally can't justify my like of Merry. :sd:

Before the Summer schedule is even finalized I know I have at least two more virtually guaranteed imports there (Natsume 3 and Idolmaster). And who knows what Fall will bring.

The 3D CG in C's next two episodes weren't nearly as bad, and were limited to about 3 seconds of Mashu in each episode. The bigger problem is that there just isn't enough of her to make the show sticking with, and there's really not much else going for it.
...
As for Deadman Wonderland... well, Nessa Mk.2 really is the only thing this show has going for it.
There should be a support group for characters like this.

EmperorBrandon

05-30-2011, 10:58 PM

HitokiriShadow

05-30-2011, 11:00 PM

HitokiriShadow

05-30-2011, 11:02 PM

Hidan no Aria
I've been debating whether I want to catch up on this series or not (seen up to episode 3). Has there been any interesting moments with Riko or the green-haired girl? Probably not going to bother and it's going to be on hold like Dog Days (neither of which I really disliked - it just seemed like I was wasting time compared to other series I'm liking).

Interesting.... Yes. Whether you'll like it or not, I can't say. I have mixed feelings in the sense that part of me likes where they went with one of those characters, and the other has reasons for wishing things were a bit different. Edit: Oh, and you only have to watch one more episode to see what I'm talking about.

Fencedude

05-30-2011, 11:03 PM

Hidan no Aria
I've been debating whether I want to catch up on this series or not (seen up to episode 3). Has there been any interesting moments with Riko or the green-haired girl? Probably not going to bother and it's going to be on hold like Dog Days (neither of which I really disliked - it just seemed like I was wasting time compared to other series I'm liking).

Interesting.... Yes. Whether you'll like it or not, I can't say. I have mixed feelings in the sense that part of me likes where they went with one of those characters, and the other has reasons for wishing things were a bit different.

I liked Hidan no Aria more when it was called Tantei Opera Milky Holmes

Fencedude

05-30-2011, 11:04 PM

but such are the dangers of importing - you can't know in one season what you'll like the next.

Idolmaster

Yeah, that's pretty much why I'm probably going to have to pass on Astarotte. If I import it, I pretty much can't import anything for Summer. And while Idolmaster isn't a guaranteed import, there is a very, very good chance it will be one.

Oh, and then eventually that Toradora set will get a release date and come out and that *is* a guaranteed import.

I've decided I can't import anything this season, and next season probably not either, though Idolmaster is going to make a very compelling case.

But I have a $500+ guaranteed expendature sometime later this year, and my hours at work have not been all they could be.

superdry

05-30-2011, 11:04 PM

Reading your current roundup, I am importing one show in each of your first three categories - Denpa Onna, Steins;Gate and A-Channel.

If you can afford to lose your mind, its pretty fun, even if you cringe when you look at your bank account.
Yeah. But when I think that importing 6 Spring series would mean I hit my 2010 total (10 shows) only halfway through 2011, well... there's a point where too much is too much...but such are the dangers of importing - you can't know in one season what you'll like the next

That's why I had to force myself to limit importing to only three shows for this season (between import BDs, merchandise and games, I'm already cringing). I really want to import Hanasaku Iroha, but that's a long series, so I don't know how it will fare and Astarotte no Omocha is just begging to be taken home. I had to think for a while before I locked myself into the three imports and those two got left out for now.

Besides the money factor, I do have a few boxsets pre-ordered that I really want (Shana I, II, Working!! and Toradora whenever that gets solicited) and I don't know how many shows I would import from summer since I think about 10 shows currently interest me. I don't want to have too shows ordered for each month.

EmperorBrandon

05-30-2011, 11:10 PM

Edit: Oh, and you only have to watch one more episode to see what I'm talking about.

Ah, might as well then, next time I'm on Hulu.

HitokiriShadow

05-30-2011, 11:42 PM

I've decided I can't import anything this season, and next season probably not either, though Idolmaster is going to make a very compelling case.

But I have a $500+ guaranteed expendature sometime later this year, and my hours at work have not been all they could be.

I might be in a similar situation next season, even after dropping Astarotte. I have money set aside specifically for the Toradora set and some money set aside just for miscellaneous BD imports. My hours are fine, my problem is that income has remained steady but its a crap paying job slightly above flipping burgers and my non-discretionary expenses are rising. Not for anything unusual, but just because I graduated from university last year and now I actually have to pay normal stuff like rent which now takes up at least 75% of my income. God help me if the Hayate season 1 BD sets get announced anytime soon.

nakimushi

05-31-2011, 01:09 AM

This is my one definite import for the season. It's just blowing everything else away for me. I really don't have a problem with Kou at this point. Not being the lead and his romantic relationship being a tertiary plot point mean he's far less likely to suffer from the issues typical male leads do, and so far I've just seen nothing about him to dislike.

Frankly I see nothing to worry about with Kou at this point either. Maybe that will change, but I doubt it...

Judging by previous posts, I'm going to guess that something's problem with Kou is his presence in the show as a yuri-blocker, rather than dissatisfaction with any of Kou's potential shortcomings as a good male romantic interest for Ohana. The best male romantic lead obviously being a non-existent male romantic lead for people who want more yuri. :)

Although P.A. Works certainly hasn't exactly discouraged the yuri angle with Jiroumaru's book in the show, and in official art:
example 1 (http://img861.imageshack.us/img861/3092/kittoaeruimg450x6001305.jpg), example 2 (http://img845.imageshack.us/img845/783/yuyamori2000img600x4541.jpg), example 3 (http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/9808/robo1991jpimg400x600130.jpg), example 4 (http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/2376/taisyuubunnka7717img600.jpg), example 5 (http://img571.imageshack.us/img571/2376/taisyuubunnka7717img600.jpg)

Still, after 9 episodes, I think it is unlikely that the show will go canon yuri, and the likelihood that Ohana will decide against considering dating any boy/male during the show (leaving the non-canon yuri option free of obstructions) also seems low IMO.

Although I guess if you want that to happen you could always hope (episode 9 spoiler)that the girl in the stockroom at the end captures Kou's heart. Or as compensation, hope that Ohana "accidentally" finds more secret manuscripts by Jiroumaru. :)

Personally, I don't mind Kou's existence or potential role either, but I can easily understand how his presence could be disappointing for people who would prefer the show not go in the direction it appears to be going.

ilmaestro

05-31-2011, 02:35 AM

What's really interesting is that while I've cut out quite a lot this season, a large number of the shows I'm continuing with are all shows I'd import if I could afford it. 3 was supposed to be my max per season, but that won't work this time.
I couldn't agree more with this sentiment, except that (for the moment) I am managing to kill myself and limit it to three (errrr, if I count Seikon no Qwaser as not being from this season because it's a sequel >_>).

AnoHana is miles above everything else, both this season and in recent memory for me. From the first thirty seconds onwards it has been full to the brim with genuine emotion, and never less than compelling. The characters all have their own individual appeal, but I have connected with Naruko in particular like few characters I can remember. Absolute perfection.

Denpa Onna and Hanasaku Iroha were pretty much guaranteed imports before the season began (based on source material and associated staff, respectively) as long as nothing went wrong, and it hasn't so far. I can't believe how well they captured the feel of Denpa Onna, and in virtually any other season Erio would be running away with my vote for favorite character. Hanasaku is typical PA Works beauty, with the odd touch of delicacy that borders on the sublime. Plus my irrational love of Omigawa Chiaki.

Seikon no Qwaser is pretty inexplicable, I guess. But the show is so outrageous, and deceptively legitimate plot-wise, that I don't much feel like not importing it after buying the first season.

Outside of those I would love to be importing Moshidora, Nichijou, Steins;Gate, Showamonogatari, and even maybe Tiger & Bunny, but it is not logistically sensible for me to do so.

I'm also still enjoying enough to have carried on with OreTsuba, Sengoku Otome, Kaiji, 30-sai no Hoken Taiiku, SKET DANCE, Hyougemono, A-Channel, Enma-kun, Lotte no Omocha, KamiNomi II, [C], Hidan no Aria, and Deadman Wonderland.

Have dropped Softenni, DOG DAYS, Hen-zemi, HoshiKaka, and Ao no Exorcist, and never got around to starting Azazel-san.

Westlo

05-31-2011, 03:49 AM

Just curious something but how come you gave Blue Exorcist a miss? I mean you don't have a problem trying out typical shounen shows, and IIRC your main prob with them is actually keeping the motivation to stick with them. Blue Exorcist is only going to be 24 episodes long which gets rid of that issue...

Just my opinion but I think A-1 Pictures have two of the best shows of the season with Blue Exorcist and AnoHana. Great production values and probably the best musical score of the season from rising star Hiroyuki Sawano (also doing Gundam Unicorn). While it doesn't bring something entirely original to the genre the execution imo is where it shines, and it does to a few things smarter than most.

It might be light on girls at first but Shiemi is another HanaKawa character I'm sure you'll love, Izumo has her charms once she gets over something and the Yoko like character has a lot of screentime once she bursts onto the scene.

I know it's a strong season and I can barely keep up with my top tier shows let alone everything else... but give it a shot if you have some time.

On another note.. Nishio Ishin's WSJ Manga Medaka Box is getting an anime adaption by Gainax in Spring 2012, fuck yeah. I hope Gainax are smart when they adapt it.. the early genre shift and the manga being mostly mediocre until Kumagawa arrival... they need to be smart about that.. not that I expect Gainax to follow the source material too closely... but missing out on Kumagawa's year long arc would be even more a tragedy than TWGOK's not getting to the main part.. and fuck Manglobe for that teasing in episode 8 lol.

ilmaestro

05-31-2011, 04:32 AM

Just curious something but how come you gave Blue Exorcist a miss?
I'm not something, but for me it was: First episode was shit (story - dull, characters - dull and annoying), too many other shows, no pre-existing experience of the manga. In that order. The sort of thing I might check out if it finishes and a bunch of people tell me it was great, and it comes out cheap in region 1.

Fencedude

05-31-2011, 04:40 AM

Suwako Moriya

05-31-2011, 07:01 AM

A-Channel(8)

By far my most favorite series of the season and by default the most desired license of the season. As with most cases, my desires tend to lean towards the less likely stuff because I'm an idiot.

The appealing factor for me is the way the group has been coming together. I also like the fact, we're getting people outside the core four. Seeing a few of the teachers and having characters the same year as Tooru helps a lot.

While I'm sure it might annoy some, I don't mind having a song with each episode. Although I am hoping for a song done by Yutaka and Miho eventually.

Nichijou (8)

I do have one issue with the show. To keep it vague, let's just say they changed something that should have been established in the very first chapter. My only hope is they have a good reason for doing this because some of the jokes depend on it.

Even with that issue the show has been great so far. Sure some of the segments are a bit questionable and some jokes may be go on too long. Episode 0 while nice was pretty long in terms of the first segment.

However I have a definite liking for Nano. Yuuko is a strange kind of moe. You also have the occasional moments with Misato, Yuria, and Angel Girl or whatever her name is. However the one I truly focus on is Mio.

Mio is just quite appealing. Plus, I love her design and energy. Also, her voice is rather interesting. So, yeah she just works for me. Plus, you can't go wrong with twin tails.

Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko (7)

Just the fact this series contains a girl as hot as Ryuuko makes this one of the better shows of the season. Add on top of that the bonus of other female characters and a premise with potential, and you have a pretty good show.

The potential I speak of is going to depend on how they handle the serious side of the premise they have. If they can handle it well and give us a decent cut-off point, the series will turn out fine.

If however it's like one of those cases where the premise is only there for set up purposes and means nothing afterward then it will be disappointing. That's the best way to put it, I hope.

Softenni (8)

There's no denying the show has a lot of problems. It does feel a bit on the weak side in some cases. Plus, the random censorship can get annoying. Especially in the case of episode 3. I mean seriously, it gets old after awhile.

However the show has a definite charm to it. Kurusu is awesome and amazing. Kotone for the most part is love. Also, the show is getting better now that the cast has expanded. With characters such as Seriha and more recently Misaki who is proven to be quite the girl.

Like I said, it does have some problems and annoying aspects, but there's enough going for it that it keeps me watching. Plus, getting to experience Seriha and Misaki has made me glad I kept watching.

Although it does make me wonder what the show might have been like with more focus on the Seriha side (minus Leo) and/or Misaki side (with plenty of Yura) instead.

Suite Precure (14)

The show is fun so far, but we are getting into the part of precure where you just want to say "Move certain aspects forward already!" and that's about all I can say so far. Ok, I'm just impatient waiting for later Cures to appear.

Hidan no Aria (5)

I can't claim it's anything special, but it's decent enough. Ok, I'll admit that I find Aria to be quite attractive and am curious as to how certain things will develop. Although I'm starting to think this is going to be one of those set up seasons...

Sengoku Otome (8)

The series is rather fun so far. Definitely liking Hideyoshi. We also have signs of "plot", but it's clearly going to be the type of plot that's mainly about having a way to close the series as opposed to being anything major. Regardless, what's important is Hideyoshi being Hideyoshi.

Hoshizora e Kakeru Hashi (6)

The series is getting a bit better with the cast being expanded. Some of the girls are attractive and sometimes decent. Now if only the annoying male friend would be sacrificed for the greater good.

Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae o Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai (5)

The series is sometimes happy and other times sad. It has this so close and yet so far feeling to it. Which is easier to understand if you're more familiar with the show.

Jewel Pet Sunshine (8)

You have some girls being cute. Some Jewel Pets being fun. Some characters being lacking. It's about what you'd expect. Even so, it is strangely appealing.

Pretty Rhythm Auroa Dream (2)

One of those series, I need to catch up with. Ok, I'm actually further ahead, but I have some re-watching to do. It definitely has a lot of issues, but I like the two female leads a bit. It's more of a side watch.

Ore-tachi ni Tsubasa wa Nai (6)

Confusing the Anime! Seriously, I'm not even sure what's going on anymore. That does make the show bad. If anything the confusing nature is part of the appeal. Another thing that's appealing is this.

The idea that what we have here is a story where multiple characters have a role to play. It sort of reminds me of certain select RPG series where it's about a group of people and not just the only being in existence.

Dog Days (5)

The series needs more Becky! In any case, it's been fun so far. Which begs the question. Why am I behind on it? Probably for the same reason as multiple other shows...

The World God Only Knows 2 (5)

Haqua is awesome. Chihiro has her issues, but she interests me. I should probably finish her arc later. I'm sort of tempted to wait until the rest is up on CR and just marathon the rest.

Astarotte's Toy / Lotte no Omocha (1)

Eventually, I will find time to catch up with this one.

Hanasaku Iroha (2)

I should probably catch up with this one. I've been hesitant. Both because I'm falling behind on things and the harsh nature of the first two episodes. I have been told by others that the show become less harsh as time goes by.
This is not to say harsh series are bad, but I'm not in the mood right now.

Sket Dance (1)

As nice as the lead female is, I'm having a hard time convincing myself she's worth watching anymore of the show. I might just put this under the category of "dropped until such time as I start caring".

Tiger and Bunny(?)

I can't even remember how many episodes I watched and for some reason my info sheet I use to keep track of things never gets updated correctly. What a shock. Even though it even as simple as saving the notepad. Maybe I just forget to save it.

In any case, it's decent series. However it falls under the category of being time dependent. If you have time, it's nice to watch. If you lack time, it becomes easier to cut.

I think what I might do is consider coming back to show later in the future. Like when I have a lighter load and have time to do mini-marathons of episodes off of Hulu of whatever.

Steins;Gate(2)

Or was it more than 2? Yes, perhaps later on I'll do some catching up with this one or maybe save it for when I can watch at my own pace.

-------------------------------------------------

A bit of a rush, but I wanted some type of update. In any case, the harsh truth is this. I've been falling behind on things and falling into that trap. Where the further behind I fall, the harder it is to decide what to catch up with. Making it even easier to fall behind.

As such, I might be forced to put some series on hold and drop others. There are some definite that I do plan to finish. Such as Softenni, Nichijou, A-Channel, Ano Hana, Denpa, and select others.

Beyond that I need to think more about it. Plus, I'm sure I'm wrong about how much progress I've made in some shows. That's how bad it is.

I also have to keep in mind I have a none anime backlog to take care of and other things to do. So I can't just dedicate my life to anime.

This is also part of the reason I haven't bothered with trying anymore Spring series beyond what I've already tried. I have enough to concern myself with in regards to what I've already started. Plus, some of the shows I have yet to try are not going to appeal to me anyway.

something

05-31-2011, 07:01 AM

Judging by previous posts, I'm going to guess that something's problem with Kou is his presence in the show as a yuri-blocker, rather than dissatisfaction with any of Kou's potential shortcomings as a good male romantic interest for Ohana. The best male romantic lead obviously being a non-existent male romantic lead for people who want more yuri. :)
Yes, well, sort of. Or not so much because I expect actual yuri - yuri fans know better than anyone that there are virtually no yuri endings in anime. But because I'll take a close girl-girl friendship ending with no romantic closure over devoting time to boring stock het any day. And he just seems profoundly dull. At least Tooru is slightly interesting (but only slightly). Kou's presence in the show adds nothing to me, and is guaranteed to take time away from the things I actually care about. He's like a turd just plopped down in the middle of a painting. Every second Ohana is staring at her phone wondering how to reply to the twit is a second she's not doing something fun. Like pissing off Minchi or guessing Yuina's accents or making Nako blush or calling Tomoe "onee-sama". Those are the reasons I'm watching the show.

Have dropped Softenni, DOG DAYS, Hen-zemi, HoshiKaka, and Ao no Exorcist, and never got around to starting Azazel-san.
Dog Days is the only one I'd say to give a chance (since I haven't watched the others aside from Hoshizora, which I like but will not pretend is good), and I think it was you that posted in the thread saying you might. It's done a lot to avoid being cliche while... being cliche, if that makes sense. I guess another way of saying it is that it does it surprisingly competently and solidly. And the characters are just fantastic.

Just curious something but how come you gave Blue Exorcist a miss? I mean you don't have a problem trying out typical shounen shows, and IIRC your main prob with them is actually keeping the motivation to stick with them. Blue Exorcist is only going to be 24 episodes long which gets rid of that issue...
Not avoiding it specifically so much as already having too much on my plate before I'd gotten to it. I had every intention of trying it originally but I've just got no room now. This is what sucks about only (or 95% of the time anyway) being able to watch anime on the weekends because of work, and even then I usually don't get much in on Friday for being so tired. Then if I get distracted Saturday too with something non-anime related... I could be wiped out for a week. Bleh. Finishing 13 shows in a season this big is pretty low for me, but at the very least I know that every one I'm finishing is something I like.

ilmaestro

05-31-2011, 07:09 PM

Have dropped Softenni, DOG DAYS, Hen-zemi, HoshiKaka, and Ao no Exorcist, and never got around to starting Azazel-san.
Dog Days is the only one I'd say to give a chance (since I haven't watched the others aside from Hoshizora, which I like but will not pretend is good), and I think it was you that posted in the thread saying you might. It's done a lot to avoid being cliche while... being cliche, if that makes sense. I guess another way of saying it is that it does it surprisingly competently and solidly. And the characters are just fantastic.
Yup, I am tempted atm, knowing that I might be missing a good show just gnaws away at me over time and every week it seems I read a different comment from a different person saying the show is worth watching. I will make a note to come back to it.

nakimushi

05-31-2011, 09:43 PM

Suwako Moriya

06-01-2011, 03:09 AM

Hanasaku Iroha (2)

I should probably catch up with this one. I've been hesitant. Both because I'm falling behind on things and the harsh nature of the first two episodes. I have been told by others that the show become less harsh as time goes by.
This is not to say harsh series are bad, but I'm not in the mood right now.

Well, starting with episode 3 the harshness vanishes almost completely, at least through episode 9, and shows little sign of returning actually. The tone turns much lighter, even perhaps a little too silly at times (episode 3) but also downright hilarious (episode 7). Although the other episodes are more realistic, silly/fun moments continue to pop up here and there and the show is just so darn pretty to look at.

When you eventually have time, you many want to give it another try.

Ah, that's good to hear. It's not that harshness by itself makes a story bad. In fact, it can give the start a strong impact. It's just that like with some other story elements, it can wear out its welcome. So you eventually want it to start moving past that point.

Based on what I've been told by various people including yourself, it does move past that point. So I will start making progress in. In fact, I've already made some progress in episode 3.

That being said, I may not comment on every single episode and I am still multi-tasking. Still some progress in episode 3 is more progress than I've been making in awhile.

nakimushi

06-01-2011, 09:22 PM

DVD/BD:
D.Gray-Man - Finished the half that Funimation had released which I enjoyed, and am now halfway through the R2 DVDs for the half that Funimation did not release. This actually has gotten significantly better after episode 51: the fights are much more interesting. I'm very glad I picked up the R2's.

Before this I finished a rewatch of the first seaon K-ON! on BD, followed by my first viewing of K-ON!! also on BD. Both were just wonderful.

Crunchyroll:
Hanasaku Iroha - I absolutely love this show, which is probably obvious. :) I'm definitely importing it.

Steins;Gate - Very good so far, and have already preordered all the BDs.

Beelzebub - Much better than I thought it would be. When I thought it was a single cour, I actually had the first two DVDs on preorder, but cancelled when I found this has no set length.

Gosick - Like this a lot, but not importing partially because the mystery format diminishes the rewatch value for me, and I think this has a good possibility of getting an R1 release. Will buy it if it does.

Gintama' - Great show, very glad it's back. It is always funny, but it really shines during its arcs and the first arc of the new season just started. I hope it sells well enough in R1 to keep Sentai releasing it, but not getting my hopes up due to its length.

SKET Dance - started off OK, but has gotten much better. I can do without any more episodes involving Genesis though.

Naruto Shippuden - much better now since it is in a canon arc. I would be watching Bleach (on CR) and One Piece (on Funimation) too if they both didn't have multi-year gaps in their streaming libraries. :sweat:

Fairy Tail - Still consistently a lot of fun, but I'm wondering what will happen when they catch up to the manga, end it or filler? I will be buying Funimation's R1 release

The World God Only Knows - I liked the first season a little more, but I'm liking this too.

Blue Exorcist - Pretty good so far. I'm very sure that Aniplex will get this an R1 release one way or another, so am not even considering importing it.

Deadman Wonderland - This has been OK, but uneven. Still wondering if this is one or two cours. If it is a single cour, the revelation that happened last episode smelled very much like the start of an original ending to me - it did not seem to fit - but I could be wrong.

My Ordinary Life (Nichijou) - Fantastic animation, hit-or-miss jokes. Whey they hit, they are very funny though. Not liking it enough to import.

Astarotte's Toy - Enjoying much more than I thought I would, very sweet, but so far, not enough to import it.

A Bridge to the Starry Skies (Hoshizora e) - Thought I would dislike this. Dating-sim/ero-game adaptations are probably my least favorite "genre", Kohihime Musou being a major exception, since there was no male protagonist and was very funny. However, the rural setting and the characters have made it OK. Would prefer fewer fan service shots of Ayumu though.

Battle Girls (Sengoku Otome) - this is OK, just sticking with it because of the character designs.

We, Without Wings - Almost dropped this, but the fan service parts were just enough to save it. Sticking around because I'm somewhat curious how it will end.

School Days - watching an episode per week, currently on episode 7. Makoto is a complete jerk, so much so that I almost stopped watching, but curious how it will end.

Funimation/Hulu:
Aria: The Scarlet Ammo - nice character designs, decent action, silly backstory IMO. Will buy it if Funimation releases in R1

C - I wonder if they're showing this to make Fractale look good. :) I actually thought Fractale was good at times, and not bad overall, just a bit disappointing. C on the other hand, I'm enjoying less. I agree with many that Mashu is the best character in the show. Whoever thought it would be good to have the most attractive character with a great seiyuu, spend most of her screen time obscured by black with her voice muffled should get his pay docked. :) The fights aren't that interesting, and the allegorical economic debates are neither profound nor interesting IMO. I'm actually blind importing the other Noitamina show AnoHana due to general acclaim. I started buying Madoka last season the same way - I'm looking forward to September when I can finally watch that. Anohana isn't fully solicited yet, so it will be a while before I can see it.

Viz/Hulu:
Tiger and Bunny - this has been decent, a little too much of the budget and care went to the CGI and not enough to the hand drawn parts IMO. Will buy it if it gets an R1 release.

Neuro - Started only OK, but I thought it became pretty good at episode 9. I'm really liking Ueda Kana's Yako, and Koyasu Takehito's effectively hams it up as Neuro.

Mar - Only started watching this when I recognized Dorothy's image as the character that kept appearing on manga in Hayate the Combat Butler, her seiyuu was in both shows, as was Kugimiya Rie. It is isn't a bad tournament show, but somewhat predictable, and has some really cheap looking CGI at times. I'm wondering if Viz will stream the entire show.

As far as the streaming shows go, I'm completely up-to-date, except for School Days obviously.

Glamrgrl104

06-04-2011, 11:33 AM

romeo x juliet discs 1-4-finished rewatch- WONDERFUL amazing this one always makes me emotional lol.

Fushigi yugi episodes-40-46- Well got bored at about episode 23 so I decided to check out what was to rent and the only Fushigi Yugi they had was the later episodes. It started getting good again.

Twelve Kingdoms discs 1&2- Magnificent, this series is quite unique and not predictable at all. I may rent the last discs tonight.

Glamrgrl104

06-05-2011, 02:20 PM

Twelve Kingdoms discs 3-5- Wonderful. I like the character development.

Fushigi yugi episode 24- Went back to previous episodes to see what I missed. In romance type animes all to relieve the misunderstandings is COMMUNICATION, but then I guess it wouldn't be as interesting a story without over the top drama lol.

Ghost stories-episodes 1 &2- HILARIOUS! has humor like SGT frog, pani poni dash, and School rumble. I love this anime putting it on my wishlist haha.

Glamrgrl104

06-07-2011, 02:21 PM

Hetalia axis powers season 2-finished-Hilarious watched it last night.

ghost stories episodes 5-11- Hilarious!

Updated:

Ghost stories episodes 11-20- This show is addicting hahaha. Too bad we don't get a 2nd season of this wonderfully funny yet very inappropriate show in a DUB lol.

Might watch OHHC OR Wallflower tomorrow while I am getting my apartment ready to move out.

Glamrgrl104

06-13-2011, 01:53 PM

Wallflower discs 1-4-rewatch finished- A funny entertaining series.

Fushigi yuugi episodes 30-33- It is more of a serious show than funny. It is kind of like Trigun where it is really funny and humorous in the beginning and then turns serious in the 2nd half. Enjoying it so far, but I will comment when I am done with the series.

Glamrgrl104

06-15-2011, 11:50 PM

Case closed episode 135- not the best episode but good to see more case closed.

Glass mask- episodes 39-51- WOW I love this anime the drama and the deep look into the world of acting on stage. I wish Sentai would release the rest of this cool series.

Ga rei zero episode 1- Truth be told this show was boring it had a lot of action, but the story was just cliche people fighting paranormal things. The characters were boring.

Hero Tales-episode 1-4- AWESOME! I just might have to pick this one up later. It is very entertaining.

FMA Brotherhood part four finished- WOW very awesome. I love it! can't wait to see part 5!

Fushigi yuugi episodes 49-50-WOW two people died in one episode.

TheDreaming

06-16-2011, 12:25 AM

Watching a ton of anime on Hulu.com! Some nice series that I hadn't known about like I''S.

Glamrgrl104

06-17-2011, 01:27 PM

fushigi yuugi episodes 50-52 end- Wonderful series.what I liked and disliked about the series I like the plot it is different, there is action, humor and romance-at least Tamahome and Miaka got to be together again although I kinda wish they made the other suzaku seven-get reincarnated as well and have them be her highschool friends or something kinda like alternate realities. Lastly I like how this series had good character development. Disliked the intense drama between miaka and tamahome that just got overdone, how almost every character dies, and Miaka was just the most annoying whiny heroine ever.

gnikdrazil

06-17-2011, 08:46 PM

something

06-17-2011, 08:48 PM

KLevin26

06-18-2011, 05:44 PM

Fairy Tail
Thanks to FUNimation (http://www.funimation.com/fairy-tail/videos). Just got finished with #2

Glamrgrl104

06-18-2011, 09:04 PM

Ga rei zero episode 1- Truth be told this show was boring it had a lot of action, but the story was just cliche people fighting paranormal things. The characters were boring.

It seems that you have to get to the 3rd episode to get to the core characters. If you get there, you'll be in for a ride. It was a great series for me overall.

I think a better question is... did she watch the whole first episode? Yes it's generic at first but... well. You know!

Yes I watched the whole episode. Maybe I wasn't in the mood for that particular type of anime at the time. I might rent it later on.

So currently watching:

Case closed-episodes 124-126- Getting more interesting episodes as the series progresses. Too bad they don't license the rest of this in R1 with a dub.

Gintama episodes 50-51- HILARIOUS! I wish Sentai would keep releasing this series on DVD.

Glamrgrl104

06-22-2011, 08:13 PM

Eden of the east Air Communications- Well I heard this was a PREQUEL but it is nothing than a recap of the series. It is still entertaining. It was like the death note extra OVAS with Nears pov and Ryuks POV and L's POV.

gnikdrazil

06-23-2011, 09:13 PM

High School of the Dead - Fun series for zombie fans. Slowed down too much when they found atemp sanctuary. Hate to say it, but fan service got old fast.

something

06-26-2011, 09:40 PM

5/30/2011 update (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showthread.php?p=1943458#post1943458).

Mostly caught up, and a couple shows just finished to this is a good time to update. Overdue really. Hopefully I can update again in a week with the one cour shows done.

Guaranteed R2 Import Tier
(01)　　Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae wo Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai - ◄0► - 11 eps / complete - Gorgeous, moving, perfectly executed right through to the end. It has passed Hourou Musuko to take #2 show of 2011 so far, behind only the legendary Madoka itself. [Import - Ordered!]

(02)　　Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko - ◄0► - 10 eps - Two episodes airing this Thursday to finish it off, and I can not wait. Well, I'll probably need to wait until the weekend but I don't expect it to be "available" before Friday anyway. I hope Shaft used the time wisely and will deliver as many breathtakingly gorgeous and sexy scenes of Erio as they can. =D [Import - Ordered!]

(03)　　Nichijou - ◄0► - 13 eps - Yesssss. Second half of the show is going to be awesome. I really doubt Nichijou can top AnoHana or Denpa simply because they're highly-focused emotional heavy-hitters while this is just a gag comedy, but it's a damn good gag comedy. [Import - Ordered!]

Potential R2 Import Tier
(04)　　Steins;Gate - ◄0► - 9 eps - I got quite behind, but hopefully I can catch up next weekend. Badly badly needed three day weekend! Anyway I only saw one episode between updates so I don't have much else to say. [Import - Very likely, I think I've settled on 5 imports and this is almost certainly one of the two I haven't ordered yet.]

(05)　　Dog Days - ▲4 - 13 eps / complete - Amazing. Dog Days virtually never missed a beat. I was very impressed with how they approached the final few episodes and how incredibly well paced it ended up being. Great decisions were made at basically every step of the story and it rose well above its "generic fantasy" reputation. This, Lotte, A Channel and Sengoku are basically in a four way tie for my last import, and one major benefit this has is that 1) it's probably fighting an uphill battle to sell enough to get a sequel and 2) doing a sequel would be really, really easy in terms of story. There's a lot more left in this world to use for more episodes, so the only thing stopping it is not selling enough. Especially because it's anime original, which means BD sales are absolutely everything. Gets a 9/10 from me. [Import - Fighting in a four-way tie.]

(06)　　Astarotte no Omocha! - ◄0► - 10 eps - I'm adoring this cast and the sweet mood of the show. But what really makes it shine is that the real story is about Lotte and Asuha, and they're just amazing together. It's one of the best dynamics of the season, for sure. Episode 10 especially made the importance of their friendship clear. The last two episodes have great potential for bringing the tears, so we'll see. [Import - Fighting in a four-way tie.]

(07)　　A-Channel - ▲3 - 12 eps / complete - Awesome slice of life goodness, worthy of being mentioned in any list of great slice of life shows. I want to import it but I can't decide... It's already sold well enough that a sequel is almost a given, so that actually counts a bit against it in my import decisions. Something else I like about the same could probably use my money more (say, Dog Days). [Import - Fighting in a four-way tie.]

(08)　　Sengoku Otome: Momoiro Paradox - ▼1 - 11 eps - What do you know, one of the silliest shows of the season gets serious at the end and actually pulls it off! Really well, at that. Still two episodes left to watch and it could fuck up but given how competently it handled the recent drama I'm actually really looking forward to the "plot" ending. Also, Tokunyan so sexy~! But Hide-tan is still the best. It's got a bit of an uphill battle for the last spot but I might just buy the lower-priced first volume as a vote of support even if I don't buy the whole show. I'm not sure. [Import - Fighting in a four-way tie.]

Non-import Tier
(09)　　Kami nomi zo Shiru Sekai II - ▲2 - 10 eps - Hell yes, Chihiro and Jun have really gotten me interested again. Chihiro's arc ended beautifully and I just adore Jun so far. Both start to mix up the normal formula we've seen so far, and I think Jun is my 3rd favorite KamiNomi anime girl yet. I'm guessing Jun has one more before another non-capture finale. Maybe some Haqua/Elsie story?

(10)　　Oretachi ni Tsubasa wa Nai - ▼2 - 12 eps / complete - Ahhh... it was so damn good straight through until the final episode. I just didn't feel that ending was anywhere near as good or interesting as a show this exceptionally unique and creative deserved. Ah well. Not like I needed another import candidate anyway. All told, still worth a solid 8/10 but it was an easy 9/10 without the last episode.

(11)　　Hoshizora e Kakaru Hashi - ▲1 - 10 eps - It's... well it is what it is. I like it. Not like there's anything specific to say about it though.

(12)　　Sket Dance - ▲1 - 7 eps - Errr, I should get back to this, especially since it's just in episode 6 that I finally found like it hooked me. Guess I've just not had enough time to watch it, but maybe I'll get a chance this coming weekend before the Summer shows kick in.

On hold
(13)　　Hanasaku Iroha - ▼8 - 10 eps - Most likely dropping, unless I'm hit by a sudden intense motivation to watch - something I haven't felt in the slightest in a month or so now.

OVAs, Specials, other oddities
Fairy Tail - 85 eps - Edolas isn't the best arc but it's still totally worth watching. Just caught up tonight. Wendy's outfit is sexy~
Suite Precure - 14 eps - Haven't watched more yet, need to do another marathon.
Yutori-chan - 25 eps / complete - ...I finally finished it! Like, just now, episodes 11-25, because I was tired of saying I'd watch it "next time". :sd: The only real reason to watch is that it's starring Yuuki Aoi and Hanazawa Kana being cute, but that's a damn good reason. Besides the eps are like 2 minutes each if you skip the ED.

Dropped:
C - 2 eps
30-sai no Hoken Taiiku - 2 eps
Hidan no Aria - 1 eps - Never did get back to it, no time to do so now.
Deadman Wonderland - 2 eps
Toriko - 1 ep
Hen Zemi - 1 ep

Still need/plan to try (may not have aired):
none

(Blah blah disclaimer, the number on a tier is not at all indicative of a show's absolute quality, merely its quality relative to the other shows on the list).

Such a small spring, but like I said, I just don't have the free time I used to. ;_; it's all about how much I can cram into a weekend, and if I'm not in the mood for a show right then, it's really easy to get behind.

AnoHana though... damn. What a show. Even though I'm not able to finish a lot this season, it's a damn good season anyway. I mean, 8 of the 12 shows I'm likely to finish are import-tier. The total number watched may be low but the fact that I'm having trouble cutting down to 5 imports says a whoooooole lot.