Manabi Straight Discussion Thread [Archive]

Lunacy

01-08-2007, 04:33 AM

I just watched the first episode and I think this series has potential to be good. The animation quality is very fluid and the seiyuus do a great job; Unsurprisingly, Yui Horie is superb as Manabi and Ai Nonaka as Mikan. I still have to get used to Mutsuki's tomboyish voice (although, it makes sense since she's a jock). The other two main characters are barely introduced, so not much to say yet.

Episode 1 Spoiler
I really love how energetic Manabi and Mutsuki are. These two will constantly keep this series exciting. I also love Manabi's air-scooter and her trademark phrase "maasugu go!".

Before watching the first episode, I truly thought this series was going to be strictly-cute-pointless moe comedy only, but if that one scene where Manabi sang the school song is any indication, this series also has the potential to be heartwarming.

The first episode didn't have an OP, but the ending song sung by Megumi Hayashibara is awesome. The claymation used for the ending is a little boring to be honest. Otherwise, I can't wait to see how this series will turn out.

Lego

01-08-2007, 06:33 AM

Fencedude

01-08-2007, 07:39 AM

I just want to point out that when Manabi uses her Hoverboard, very Back to the Future-ish music plays.

Suwako Moriya

01-08-2007, 08:13 AM

Now that I've seen the first episode I'm even more confident that I'll probably stick with this one. At the very least I do want to see the opening and allow all the girls to be properly introduced.

TheGreenMan

01-08-2007, 09:19 AM

I guess I'll give this a watch, but the whole high schoolers look like moe 11-12 year olds weirds me out. :sd:

Lunacy

01-08-2007, 03:12 PM

I just want to point out that when Manabi uses her Hoverboard, very Back to the Future-ish music plays.

Hehe.. I also thought the same thing but I didn't want people to think Im crazy. :sd:

Somehow, I get the feeling that this series will somewhat rely on futuristic things: air-scooter, computers and gadgets and the like. Which I won't mind if they play the cards right. The fluid animation should also help.

01-08-2007, 09:35 PM

Besides the claymation ed, one thing I will say is that the animation looked nice(from Random's blog). I'll keep an eye on this, but this doesn't seem like something I'll be waiting every week for though.
I love the claymation. It's a trademark of the studio (you probably knew that though). Not many studios do really well animated endings anymore anyway so I always find them amusing and refreshing.

LimePie

01-09-2007, 05:00 PM

I really enjoyed the first episode. It gave off vibes that were a mixture of Azumanga, Ichigo Mashimaro, and Haruhi Suzumiya (the last one due to Manabi's personality.) Everything was so cue and moe, which I love. I'm definitely going to follow this series.

Suwako Moriya

01-14-2007, 05:00 PM

Episode 2 is more proof that this will be one of the better series of the season. Also despite the young looking nature of the girls, you can still notice the "chests" of some of them. Yes my mind is in the gutter and I don't care.

In any case this episode included the scene in the preview with the girls trying on the glasses. One of the main things that sold me on the show. Plus you get to see people watching as two of the girls are sleeping in a bed. Yeah it's both funny and suggestive. :D :>

For the record yes the episode does include an opening this time. However the ending is cut out for this episode and you have the credits appear while scenes happen. Over all I kind of like the opening to the series. So yeah it works for me.

TheGreenMan

01-14-2007, 06:39 PM

I was looking at some of the pics on Randomc. Definitely some really sugary cute shots. I would link to my favorites if his site worked right now. :(

Suwako Moriya

01-15-2007, 09:51 AM

From what I can understand sometimes you need to refresh the page a few times. Either way you should not be hot-linking to any of the images on other people's sites. It's considered rude to do so. Rather just link to the page (http://randomc.animeblogger.net/2007/01/14/manabi-straight-02/) for the episode itself. Then you can just point out the number of the images you like. For example in terms of the actual episode I kind of like 02, 11, 19, 20, and 28 to name a few. Alternatively there is also the idea of saving images and uploading them to say photobucket or imageshack.

TheGreenMan

01-15-2007, 03:32 PM

Mateo_home

01-15-2007, 04:59 PM

Okay. What to say what to say. So far I like this since I also enjoyed AzuDai and Haruhi, only this combines the two with a slightly futuristic twist. It's a keeper. Can't quite catch on with the episode previews though.

*crosses fingers that it's in the 24-26 episode duration*. :P

relentlessflame

01-15-2007, 10:34 PM

*crosses fingers that it's in the 24-26 episode duration*. :P
Only 13, unfortunately, but that's pretty normal for ufotable too, I guess. The Starchild (R2) solicitations have 6 DVDs in total, with 2 on each and 3 on the final one. I guess it remains to be seen, but given the timing (last episode would air first week of April), I wonder if the last episode might be DVD exclusive? We'll see...

Suwako Moriya

01-16-2007, 06:21 AM

Ah well 13 episodes is still a decent number and par the course. Either way the main thing to hope for is the quality of the first two episodes is kept up. Who knows maybe episode 3 will mark the first episode with both the opening and ending animation. :D

masterpez

01-16-2007, 03:43 PM

The first episode didn't have an OP, but the ending song sung by Megumi Hayashibara is awesome.

She doesn't voice any of the characters as well, does she?? I miss her...

Lunacy

01-16-2007, 04:58 PM

She doesn't voice any of the characters as well, does she?? I miss her...

No, but her singing is just as amazing.

In any case this episode included the scene in the preview with the girls trying on the glasses. One of the main things that sold me on the show. Plus you get to see people watching as two of the girls are sleeping in a bed. Yeah it's both funny and suggestive. :D :>

I love that part at the begging where Manabi is dressing up "seitokaichou style". ^^v It made me chuckle. The highlight of episode 2 is definitely when Manabi forced Mikan to replicate her "maasugu go!", and Mikan does it with no spirit whatsoever. ;p

For the record yes the episode does include an opening this time. However the ending is cut out for this episode and you have the credits appear while scenes happen. Over all I kind of like the opening to the series. So yeah it works for me.

I completely understand that clamation is ufotable's trademark, but the ending for Manabi lacked a little something compared to Futakoi Alternative or Coyote Ragtime Show, so I didn't miss the lack of claymation ending for the second episode.

Opening on the otherhand, I love the song and how Manabi characters go 'Jet Grind Radio' with spray cans.

something

01-19-2007, 03:00 PM

I finally get to watch this! Yes! I was getting worried there for awhile...

- Manami jumping off the bridge and then trying to will away the pain was great XD Oh I'm liking this show already. And the animation is gorgeous. Gradient hair wins! Though I'm not used to characters actually having noticeable fingernails :sd:
- Woo, Mikan is Shipon's va, that makes me so happy~ And my goddess Hirano Aya for Mei <3 Bakabakashi~ She's going to be perfect for Mei.
- Man, I am totally going to fall in love with Manabi. Her personality is utterly infectious. V!
- Points to Mutsuki as well, I can't wait to see her drive the uptight and silent Mei into screaming hysterical fits XD I thought Mutsuki was going to be sort of an overly serious sort, but instead she's a boatload of fun already.
- Momo! Another one to force Mei's cold exterior to crack open against her wishes XD
- And apparently Manami(bi) is infectious for everyone else too. Her sudden bid to become student council president was pretty moving, in its own unique way. I enjoyed her singing as well. Now I know for sure that Manabi Straight is going to be something special. I just hope it paces itself appropriately for a 12 episode show (according to this (http://cal.syoboi.jp/tid/748/time) anyway).

I think it's fairly obvious from episode one that this isn't "just some lolimoe show." I had extremely high hopes for this series, and episode one did not disappoint at all. It outdid my expectations, actually. This goes on th "WATCH ASAP" pile with Kanon, Geass and Kyoushiro.

Edit: although the claymation ending annoys me, just like it did for Futakoi Alternative >_> The next ep previews are stylish as all hell though.

TheGreenMan

01-19-2007, 04:34 PM

*Nods head* Yep, as soon I saw the Manabi and Mika bridge scene in the beginning, I knew this would be good. Now onto episode 2!

Edit: changed wording.

01-19-2007, 05:58 PM

Despite having started the thread I still haven't gotten around to watching it yet, nor anything else from the new season. No time lately, and as much as I want to see this getting caught up on Kanon and staying caught up on Bleach and Death Note are more important right now.

Nork22

01-20-2007, 05:53 AM

Watched the first episode and enjoyed it (a lot). At first I thought I was getting myself into a "loli-moe" show (something I try to avoid), especially during that swimming meet. But after all the silly antics of Manabi ended with her singing, I just felt good inside and knew that this show is worth my time.

Incidentally, as soon as Manabi started singing, I just went, "Hey! That's Yui Horie!". From a trap to a cute little hyperactive moe girl. Bring it on!

Fencedude

01-20-2007, 06:10 AM

Edit: although the claymation ending annoys me, just like it did for Futakoi Alternative >_> The next ep previews are stylish as all hell though.

The preview kinda reminds me of Yogurting (http://youtube.com/watch?v=M_Cg-jpItNE&mode=related&search=)

01-20-2007, 05:38 PM

The preview kinda reminds me of Yogurting (http://youtube.com/watch?v=M_Cg-jpItNE&mode=related&search=)
In an odd sort of way that's the most awesome video I've watched since Funky Cat Maybe.

relentlessflame

01-20-2007, 05:55 PM

I just hope it paces itself appropriately for a 12 episode show (according to this (http://cal.syoboi.jp/tid/748/time) anyway).
Well, that site isn't sure yet, because they haven't put the "final episode" marker on the 12th episode. We know there'll be 13 on the DVDs, at least.

something

01-20-2007, 05:55 PM

The preview kinda reminds me of Yogurting (http://youtube.com/watch?v=M_Cg-jpItNE&mode=related&search=)
In an odd sort of way that's the most awesome video I've watched since Funky Cat Maybe.
Yeah, I've always liked the Yogurting video every time I see it. Very nice style. I can see how parts of it might remind one of the Manabi previews and vice versa, especially with the arrows and all.

HitokiriShadow

01-20-2007, 10:02 PM

The first episode was alright (and the animation was great) but it didn't really grab me. And I just can't buy that they are supposed to be high schoolers. Maybe middle schoolers, but not high school.

something

01-20-2007, 10:08 PM

HitokiriShadow

01-20-2007, 10:14 PM

I usually don't have a problem with this kind of thing, but for some reason, its just a little hard to swallow in this show. I don't mind the character designs themselves and I'm sure I'll get used to it, but something about it just bugs me in this show.

TheGreenMan

01-21-2007, 04:01 PM

Question, what is Momo doing while the singing is going on? Sounds like she's barking.

KomoriKiri

01-21-2007, 05:29 PM

And I just can't buy that they are supposed to be high schoolers. Maybe middle schoolers, but not high school.
I'm not sure why this is such a problem for people when the reverse case (characters looking older than they are) seems to be accepted without a second thought.

In this case, although the appearance doesn't fit, it's their behavior that makes suspension-of-disbelief about their ages impossible for me. These are supposed to be high school students? They sure don't act like any I've ever known. Which I might be able to overlook if their appearance fit. One or the other would be enough, but when neither fit, or worse, when both match with a different age, well.

I'll probably give it my standard three episode chance, but I can't say I expect it'll be on my continuation list.

Kind of disappointed at the flood of moe-focused titles this season. At least we're getting Nodame Cantabile.

Wraith
"They've been called money pits, jokes, and a useless waste, but still, they really are the pride of HQ."
-- Captain Goto ("Patlabor")

martod

01-21-2007, 05:46 PM

something

01-21-2007, 06:18 PM

In this case, although the appearance doesn't fit, it's their behavior that makes suspension-of-disbelief about their ages impossible for me. These are supposed to be high school students? They sure don't act like any I've ever known. Which I might be able to overlook if their appearance fit. One or the other would be enough, but when neither fit, or worse, when both match with a different age, well.
I'm suddenly thinking of GTO here. They didn't act like, and certainly didn't look like, middle schoolers, and I can't say it bothered me. If anything, I'd think passing a character like Tomoko off as a middle schooler should be far creepier than saying Manabi is a highschooler, but I guess I'm in the minority there.

If they changed all references from "high school" to "middle school" instead, would the show then be acceptable? I bet they could do so, and change almost nothing of consequence in the plot, unless they take it all the way to graduation, where that becomes more important. So, this could probably be the exact same show with one label changed, and it might have been viewed very differently.

Maybe I've just seen enough school-based shows where these details simply don't bother me at all. That, and I have a really strong ability to suspend disbelief, so long as I'm getting a quality entertainment experience. So many times I've run into people with complaints of "it's just not believable that..." or "the science totally doesn't make sense..." or "there's no way that would happen in real life..." and so on, and it's extremely rare that I share the sentiment. I think I have a very different approach to anime than a lot of people, with respect to the relative importance of "believability" in anime.

What seems to be the #1 turnoff factor for most people is just about the least important part of the show for me. I've seen people surprised at character ages before (Nanoha and Fate are 9?!, etc) but I can't say I've seen people judge a show so early and strongly because of it. Maybe for some people it's a highly sensitive reaction to anything "moe" or whatever, and for others it's something else entirely, but I, at least, feel that episode one firmly established this show as not being "just some lolimoepedo show" or what have you. I understand that some would still disagree with me though, and that some portion of the people who stop watching will drop it for reasons other than designs/"high school", and that's fine.

I just think the design focus a shame, because I really get the sense that there's going to be something pretty unique about Manabi Straight. I haven't even seen much in the way of complaints that the designs are "bad quality" either, just "too young". And I have to wonder, how many people who might wind up loving the show are never going to give it a chance because of that? I genuinely hope it's not too many.

TheGreenMan

01-21-2007, 06:58 PM

The designs don't bother me too much. What I find odd is the new girl from the other school looks normal, in fact, she reminds me of Shizuru for some odd reason (Randomc has caps up from episode 3 with the new girl). The disparity confuses me a little.

HitokiriShadow

01-21-2007, 10:33 PM

The disparity between their appearance and their supposed age doesn't really affect my enjoyment of the show itself. Its of little consequence, particularly since their age and school level isn't (in the first episode anyway) even mentioned. I just find it hard to believe they are high schoolers when they look (and act, at least in Manabi's case) like they are middle- or late gradeschoolers.

Again, this isn't really a strike against my enjoyment of the show. The girls of Strawberry Marshmallow have the same issue (supposedly middle schoolers, but look like they should be in about 2nd grade) but I loved it. The Negima girls look and act more like high schoolers than middleschoolers but I still love Negima (the manga and the new series, anyway).

I can't speak for others, but for me, its not so much a complaint or a bother that hurts my enjoyment, just an observation that they simply don't look (or act, in some cases) like high schoolers.

01-22-2007, 02:51 AM

Ah, finally got to check out the first episode and man I am not disappointed. The pictures tell you it's going to be a manic show but there's something almost complex about the manic energy here. It's satisfying and has a vibe to it not quite like anything else right now. Definitely a different feel for ufotable too. I love how that studio does such a good job of reinventing it's style from show to show unlike others whose directing and visual style are very similar for all of their projects.

Manabi reminds me of a million different other characters but no single one comes to mind. She's made of pure win though and even if the whole rest of the cast sucked (which they obviously don't) she could carry this whole thing on her own. I already want the dvds now.

Suwako Moriya

01-22-2007, 03:12 AM

I've seen people surprised at character ages before (Nanoha and Fate are 9?!, etc) but I can't say I've seen people judge a show so early and strongly because of it..

I'll admit to being surprised about the Nanoha and Fate thing. As for the girls in this series. I figure part of their look has to do with making them cutesy. It kind of reminds me of how Hagu in Honey and Clover looks rather young. Which I believe also caused people to step back and soak up the information. I know I did, but ah Hagu is cute so it's all good.

In any case I just finished episode 03 and the series continues to be one of the better new series of the season that I've been checking. Not that I've dropped anything yet. However it's just that this series is rather appealing to me. It's just rather fun to watch and the girls are cute. So I guess it works.

KomoriKiri

01-22-2007, 05:50 PM

If they changed all references from "high school" to "middle school" instead, would the show then be acceptable?

Actually, that has little to do with why the show isn't catching my interest. Shouldn't have given that impression, but I wasn't thinking about it when I posted. Kind of skipped over a step.

As far as I've seen of the show, they barely mention the grade level. Which makes it pretty easy to ignore most of the time. I just don't get the point of lolifying the high schoolers (who would be much more attractive as high schoolers, but I understand that may not be the case for their target market). I just hadn't seen anyone mention my point, so I brought it up.

However, even if they did look like their claimed ages, I wouldn't be very interested in the show. The premise sounded like it had some promise, and I had nothing more important to do, so I tried it. Unfortunately, it completely falls flat for me. Nothing in the characters or the set-up grabbed any of my attention. I even found myself skipping forward in that long-ass song, and fast forwarding in the first episode is a bad sign for watchability.

But really, I didn't catch anything special in the show. I didn't laugh once, bad sign for a comedy. The characters seemed pretty stock stereotypes, although it is too early to judge that. The situations were too predictable. They haven't even started hinting at setting up something interesting with the background story. Haven't seen how many episodes it's supposed to have, but unless they're gunning for multiple seasons their pacing is still questionable. Too early to really judge, again, which is why I'll give it three episodes, but so far it's not promising at all.

Wraith
"It is not true that life is one damn thing after another - it is one damn thing over and over."
-- Edna St. Vincent Millay

01-23-2007, 12:08 AM

It's all about the feel of the show. Either you get it and love it or don't and hate it.

Lunacy

01-23-2007, 04:32 AM

Episode 3 really showed off their animation quality. I honestly think the quality is improving with each new episode.

Another thing about this series is that it feels like the creators are totally having a blast. They even threw in a slightly fan-servicey scene while the girls were playing dodgeball (the butt scene). :sd:

I also love how Manabi Straight! has a tint of slice-of-life. Im falling in love with this series. :P

01-23-2007, 11:33 AM

They are having a blast making it, which is why the show works. Seeing Futakoi Alternative tells you everything you need to know about this studio. Even if their concepts fall on their face for some people you can't deny they're pretty brilliant in the anime world (we'll ignore for existence of Coyote Ragtime Show for the sake of this discussion). Not to mention gutsy for being willing to stray so far from the norm. Easily my second favorite studio right behind Kyoto Ani.

Raye

01-25-2007, 03:33 AM

Saw the first episode and it looks OK. I have to see more to say that I like it. I really dig the colors this series features. It's so bright, especially with how they've made the characters' hair. The ending sequence is very unique as well. Same goes for the next episode preview. It's something totally new.

Nork22

01-25-2007, 07:05 AM

Wait till you see the OP sequence. Best OP animation I've seen this year. Plus being a Ritsuko Okazaki song sung by Megumi Hayashibara, it makes it ever so awesome.

TalonG4

01-25-2007, 02:09 PM

I caught this show this morning, it interested me ever since I saw Nork22's avatar. :D
The animation is really nice and I'm glad to hear it keeps looking nice after the first episode. I also like the not-to-distant future setting. I just can't see these girls as high school girls though. I wouldn't say I have a problem with it as I haven't seen the whole show yet. The character designs remind me of Tsubasa and Hikaru from Figure 17 which is probably why I thought they were younger.

Serial Experiments Nobue

01-25-2007, 02:32 PM

The character designs remind me of Tsubasa and Hikaru from Figure 17 which is probably why I thought they were younger.

That would have been a selling point for me, so I did a little investigation. Yuriko Chiba did the character design for Figure 17, and checking ANN's encyclopedia, Atsushi Ogasawara did the designs for Manabi Straight.

So while not the same designer, I do agree that the character designs are cute in the same way. I'm keeping an eye on this series to see if it's something I'll be following more when it eventually reaches R1-land.

Actually, there are already a few more selling points for me on this series... Ai Nonaka for one and Yui Horie for two.

martod

01-30-2007, 09:07 PM

something

01-30-2007, 10:13 PM

Alright, finally, ep 2!

- The OP is disorienting, but really awesome. The song doesn't do much for me, but I love the animation, and seeing the girls going around in casual clothes spray painting everything kicks ass.
- Mutsuki: "I'll help!" ::scene cuts to the room no cleaner than it was, with Mutsuki joining Manami and Mika on the table staring at the sky::
- Mei taking charge with that Hirano Aya voice I love so much makes for a perfect scene <3 DELETE! I think she's the most emotionally dishonest character I've seen in a loooooong time.
- The unrelenting cuteness of this show is going to become legendary, and I love it so much~~~! I just adore the feeling the show gives the viewer. Watching Manami and her friends peel back the layers of dust and apathy from the school and spread excitement and a sense of belonging and pride is definitely this show's unique gift to fans.

- Manami is, as I've described her before, totally infectious. And she's found a (somewhat reluctant) soul mate in Mika, who wants to do good, but is too shy to state her case as forcefully as would be required. Manami is able to give her that push and be with her all the way. Mutsuki is even closer to Manami's inner spirit, although she views everything with a little bit of amused detachment, even as she dives right in with them. She's coming off as a sort of meddling (in a very good way) "big sister" type, who genuinely wants to see Manami and Mika turn the student council into something meaningful -- and will do everything in her power to help them, as long as she can have a bit of fun along the way. She, of course, is also instrumental in bringing Mei into the group. Mei is the least inclined to put up with Manami's disruptive ambitions, but she's also the one who stands the most to gain emotionally, by far. Her cold, unapproachable exterior is just a facade, but it seems like almost nobody sees through it -- except Mutsuki. As for Manami, I don't think it's a matter of her seeing through it or believing it... she just never eve saw the facade in the first place. She's an emotional steamroller that flattens down all such unnecessary mental walls and relationship obstacles. For now, Momoha is still an "outsider" but that's a relative term anyway -- she's definitely part of the main cast. She's hard to read emotionally since she acts to peculiarly, but it's easy to tell that she's excited to see what Manami will do.

- I loved Manami's speech during Momoha's broadcast (see, already ways that Momoha is helping them out!), as well as the insert song while they bought goods at the hardware store (nevermind that ~$90 wouldn't buy shit in terms of wood and paint but =P), and finally when all the clubs came to help. I got the same wonderful feeling I did when Manami started singing the school song during the assembly.

So that's two episodes where this show has shattered my already high expectations. "Something special" barely begins to describe the vibe I get from it, and it makes me ridiculously happy when I watch it.

This is a show I am keeping a VERY close eye on. Expect to see it on my top 10 most wanted as of next update.

Lunacy

01-31-2007, 03:03 AM

I just saw episode 2 and I'm still not sure what to think of this series. It seems cute, light-hearted, and slice of life, but I get the distinct feeling this show is going to get very dark later on. Between the frequent use of dark colors and the occasional references to the population problems of the future in the show, I have to wonder how long the comedy is going to last.

After watching the PV for Manabi, it hurts for me to say your feeling may be right. I won't go into full detail here but from what I saw in episode 4 - especially with their use of dark colors - I truly think its going into that direction. I am praying that it won't, since I'm loving the current atmosphere of Manabi, but only time will tell, I guess.

Mutsuki is probably my favorite out the group, so far since she's a foodie, and Im a foodie.

something

01-31-2007, 03:36 AM

After watching the PV for Manabi, it hurts for me to say your feeling may be right. I won't go into full detail here but from what I saw in episode 4 - especially with their use of dark colors - I truly think its going into that direction. I am praying that it won't, since I'm loving the current atmosphere of Manabi, but only time will tell, I guess.
I hope it does get dark, at least somewhat. That would really drive home how wrong many people's surface impressions of the show were. Besides, part of what makes the show so enjoyable so far is knowing that there's something weightier behind the comedy. There's a sense of sadness and/or indifference that Manami is going to do her best to overcome. Even in the two episodes I've been able to see, she's been doing that.

But even if it does get into heavily emotional material like that, do you really think it'll end that way? I personally doubt it, very much. Presumably the major conflict of the show will be an attempt to close the school down, and the girls will somehow overcome that. At "worst", the school will close and we'll get some highly emotional parting scenes or what have you, but at this point I'm pretty confident they'll handle things very well no matter how it goes. This is the same company that took a putridly stupid dating sim anime about twins (Futakoi) and turned it into one of the most raw and satisfying examples of a romantic relationship in all of anime (Sara and Sojyu with Rentarou in Futakoi Alternative), and did it while giving us stories about armed, masked gothiloli twins and a demonic squid-human monster thing ravaging a town.

Comedies are a dime a dozen. I'll watch and like pure comedies, but it's rare thats such shows become top tier titles. A good show has a balance of many elements, and if it can balance seemingly contradictory elements, then all the better. If this show explicitly works a more complex and deep plot into the great cast of characters and beautiful animation and music, I think it'll be all the stronger for it. I look forward to seeing how Manami and crew work their way through tough times, should such things come to pass.

Fencedude

01-31-2007, 04:58 AM

Suwako Moriya

01-31-2007, 06:22 AM

TheGreenMan

01-31-2007, 06:37 AM

Mei quite obviously has some serious emotional issues. Did you catch the way she flipped out when someone (Manabi?) grabbed her arm?

Hence forth making Mei the prime candidate for Manabi's brand of therapy. Yeah it was definitely quite noticeable. Of course Mei's figure is also quite noticeable.

The 4th episode will deal with Mei's problems.

Anyway, is there any reason why all the girls' names start with 'M'?

Suwako Moriya

01-31-2007, 06:39 AM

Anyway, is there any reason why all the girls' names start with 'M'?

The same reason everyone in Aria the Natural has their name start with the "A". It's called fun with theme-based naming. Beyond that I have no freaking idea.

Fencedude

01-31-2007, 06:43 AM

01-31-2007, 01:43 PM

Knowing the creative team behind the show I assumed from the very beginning that the lighthearted comedy was a front for something deeper. My only question is how dark will it become before it ends?

something

01-31-2007, 02:36 PM

Mei quite obviously has some serious emotional issues. Did you catch the way she flipped out when someone (Manabi?) grabbed her arm?
And on a couple other occasions she nearly started to hyperventilate.
Yes, she's certainly the most complex of the lot, there's no doubt of that. That's why, though I didn't expect it at first, Mutsuki is far more interesting already than I thought she'd be. I imagine she's known Mei for longer than the other girls, or at least knows her better. I'm wondering if the other girls have similar issues, though even if so, I think Mei will be the most significant in that respect.

something

01-31-2007, 02:38 PM

Knowing the creative team behind the show I assumed from the very beginning that the lighthearted comedy was a front for something deeper. My only question is how dark will it become before it ends?
Agreed. I know the previews were mostly cute but some of them would have made no sense at all for a "purely comedic" show. There's no way UFO Table is going to cop out and shy away from telling a more serious story here.

SnowfairyX

01-31-2007, 02:53 PM

My only question is how dark will it become before it ends?
I'm hoping that it ends up being something like Alien Nine or Narutaru. :> Anyway, I've seen no indication so far as of episode 2 that the series will go down that path. The series at this point seems a bit too optimistic for my tastes so I'm hoping that this gets balanced out at least a little bit later on. Besides the beautiful animation and the slightly awkward-looking character designs, the show doesn't particularly stand out much to me other than just being a typical "slice-of-life" show.

something

02-07-2007, 03:05 AM

Episode three, Massugu Go!!

- The Seioh High School student council room is bustling with more activity ever since the [very] grand opening as Manami-ism spreads throughout the school like wildfire~
- I still can't help but think the cool OP animation is sort of wasted on the song they picked to go with it. They could have found such a better match...
- "You guys are lucky that I just happened to, coincidentally, randomly walk past this room--" Oh Mei, admit it, you've caught Manami fever as well, you dishonest little tsundere =P So cute~
- Manami is even cuter with her hair down
- So Kakuzawa Takako is the other student council president. She has the same basic desig as the other girls, but I agree she looks a little older. Maybe she just is oler.
- It appears that it's only her as well. All the other student council members from other schools are comparable to Manami and crew.
- Manami gets a bit of a lesson in the more serious side of the position she's found herself in. I wonder how long it'll take her to make the mental shift necessary to participate in such discussions?
- Mikan-chan is in love!
- Man this show is co screencappable. There are so many scenes of the five girls together in the frame at once that just have me going "MUST SAVE!"
- Aww, onii-chan has such an imouto complex =P

- Damnit this show is amazing. How long can they keep up with ending every episode on an awesome emotional climax? They're 3 for 3 right now and I'm loving it. <3 Gakuen Utopia Manabi Straight <3

Fencedude

02-07-2007, 03:16 AM

Mikan LOEVS Taka-chan~

And I could watch Mei getting hit in the face with volleyballs all day. I absolutely adore her, but there is something great about seeing her get flustered. She's a lot like Natsuki from My~HiME, and it seems that she's got the same "Natsuki Crisis" issue. They even look a bit alike.

something

02-07-2007, 03:31 AM

Mikan LOEVS Taka-chan~
Yes, and it's going to make for a great little plotline down the future I imagine.

And I could watch Mei getting hit in the face with volleyballs all day. I absolutely adore her, but there is something great about seeing her get flustered. She's a lot like Natsuki from My~HiME, and it seems that she's got the same "Natsuki Crisis" issue. They even look a bit alike.
Very, very like Natsuki, yes. She tries to hard to hide her feelings, and I bet she thinks she does a pretty good job of it, but then Manami and Mutsuki (primarily) completely break up her calm exterior and send her into sputtering hysterics, until she realizes what she's doing and paints the "refined model student" mask back on.

Hirano Aya does such an awesome job conveying that feeling too. She did it a few times with Haruhi, but she's getting a lot more opportunities to shine in that respect with Mei. Haruhi was always significantly more "in control" than Mei has been, and Mei is the one being swept along by a charismatic lead, rather than the reverse. Mei has definitely been the highlight of the show in terms of vocal performances.

Nork22

02-07-2007, 05:54 AM

I've seen up to episode 5 and I have a sneaking suspicion that Mikan is who we are suppose to be focusing on. :neko: :neko:

I mean in this episode Manabi was only on screen for like 5 minutes while they focus more on Mikan as she deals trying to get to know Mei more. :neko:

And Manabi with the mumps (http://img95.imageshack.us/img95/5025/snapshot20070208005130lu3.jpg) is funny

Suwako Moriya

02-08-2007, 08:15 AM

Well it is possible that they want Mikan to be the main focus of the series. So that may be one of the reasons for a lack of Manabi in this episode. However I think another reason for the lack of Manabi focus was to have an episode without her influence or at least not much of it anyway. Especially in terms of Mikan herself. Episodes like that can be well educational sometimes.

Nork22

02-12-2007, 07:51 AM

Just watched the episode, and while I couldn't understand the bulk of the dialogue (watched it raw), it's basically what Mikan was like when she started school and how Mucchi has always been there to support her and be her friend. Again Manabi takes a backseat as the show fleshes out Mikan and Mucchi a bit more. Guess all that's left is Momoha, but by the looks of the preview, it looks like it has something to do with Mei and Mikan. Is it just me, but during the non-dialogue segment, I feel as though I'm watching a Makoto Shinkai production.

However this episode had a couple of 'WTF' moments. One of which was a strange sequence of how sucking on a popsicle could be interpreted the wrong way. Example 1 (http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/7808/snapshot20070213022713yf0.jpg) and 2 (http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/4161/snapshot20070213022725li6.jpg). It just came out of nowhere and I was in disbelief after what just happen. O.O O.O Should I just laugh at it or are the creators expecting something? Guess I should have know something unexpected always happen in this show. The other was me being distracted by the girls' strange habit of flapping their skirt to keep cool in the summer heat. Though that shouldn't really come as a surprise, since I read that this is what girls really do (god bless Joushei Kousei).

Oh and here's a picture (http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/7111/snapshot20070213022548nk9.jpg) of Momoha doing her test while looking 'stoned'. :D

Rhodes

02-12-2007, 02:10 PM

Taka-chan seems to be the only one whos "normal" looking... even all the other student council members from the other schools look lolli. Was there some genetic disease that caused this? Or just stylistic art decision?

What are the student council roles and who fills em? I know Manabi is President & Mikan is Secretary.

What are Mucchii and Mei's roles? Is Mei VP?

Fencedude

02-12-2007, 02:58 PM

Taka-chan seems to be the only one whos "normal" looking... even all the other student council members from the other schools look lolli. Was there some genetic disease that caused this? Or just stylistic art decision?

Stylistic art decision. (why do people have so much trouble with this concept?)

What are the student council roles and who fills em? I know Manabi is President & Mikan is Secretary.

What are Mucchii and Mei's roles? Is Mei VP?

As far as I know, the only ones who are officially on the council are Mikan and Manabi.

Remember, Mei was JUST WALKING BY! She DID NOT intend on coming over!

Rhodes

02-12-2007, 03:30 PM

Fencedude

02-12-2007, 03:34 PM

thought mei joined officially after ep 4.

random curiosity has the blog for ep 6 and i think the last pic has the student council roster, 4 names are on there.

http://randomc.animeblogger.net/image/Manabi%20Straight!/Manabi%20Straight!%20-%2006%20-%20Large%2030.jpg

Asking most of us questions about things revealed in episodes that are not available in <deleted> format, is probably not going to get you very far.

02-12-2007, 04:08 PM

Whether it's official or not I'm sure Manabi considers the remaining girls drafted.

Suwako Moriya

02-12-2007, 06:11 PM

Guess all that's left is Momoha, but by the looks of the preview, it looks like it has something to do with Mei and Mikan.

Hopefully Momoha will have her time in the spotlight soon enough. Still in regards to what you mentioned earlier, I'm even more confident now that you're right. Ie that Mikan is the main character of the series. Although Manabi being the title character still has a strong role.

In any case speaking of flapping skirts and stuff. They seem to enjoy showing closes up of the girl's skirts. To the point where for a short bit I'm not sure which girl I'm actually looking at sometimes. For the record I'm not complaining and yeah I realize that sounds wrong, but I don't care.

TalonG4

02-12-2007, 08:50 PM

Just watched and I have to say that this show is now officially awesome and puts a big smile on my face by the end everytime.

This ep. featured Mei who ROCKS and is now my new favorite.(until next week :sd: ) She really is a great character and pretty hot too. :blush:

If anyone doubts that these girls look too young to be in high school, check out this PIC (http://home.comcast.net/~dturner_tg4/storagespace/manabi_mei01.jpg) and this PIC2 (http://home.comcast.net/~dturner_tg4/storagespace/manabi_mei02.jpg) .

Finally the Council giving their power salute... PIC3 (http://home.comcast.net/~dturner_tg4/storagespace/manabi_salute.jpg) .

I'd love a nice wallpaper of that, unfortunately that text was in the shot.

something

02-12-2007, 11:04 PM

Now for episode 4! (though it seems like a lot of people are moving ahead with the raws, so ep 4 is old hat, sorry =P)

- Awesome start to this episode. Way to get some back story on Mei to explain why she is the way she is. It also hints at why Mutsuki is able to play around with her all the time and get such a response out of her. Mei is clearly disillusioned by that experience though, which would account for her outward dismissal of Manami and Mika in episode one and her "I don't give a damn" facade. But it also explains why she's secretly so willing to help and take charge if need be, almost like a mother or a big sister. That conflict in her personality should be one of the major components of this show. Very nice.
- Her brain doesn't work if she's not running! Oh man that is so like Manami. She's a little earthquake.
- Promo de GO! Mei is a computer whiz! And Manami seriously debating the relative merits of GAA and GYUGYUN totally made my day.
- Uh ohhh... Mei-chan GO CRAZY. ..Longtable is loooooooooong. Fantastic visual style on that freak-out scene. I really hope UFO Table maintains this level of visual richness throughout.
- I know Yuzu mentioned it before, and though I never really noticed myself... I do now. Mei-chan is... pretty damn stacked o_O Wow. She's a healthy girl, even if her mind is a trainwreck.
- Hah, she's for the student council office networked to her personal computer with a video camera installed for spying :sd:
- 4D! 4D~!
- Talk about stealing the show. Mei blew me away there, but then getting blown away is just par for the course with this show. Every episode is like a mini-series in itself, with all the emotion and intensity crammed into 22 minutes. And Manabi Straight gives us a climax scene that most anime need 13 or 26 episodes to build up to... and it does it every. damn. episode. Can they keep up this level of intensity? Is it really possible? They're 4 for 4 now, and show no sign of letting up.

I was hoping we'd get an episode like this -- a moving commentary on the state of education and youth in the Manabi Straight universe, tinged with darkness and focused on a character's past. Mei provided the perfect vehicle for such an attempt. Definitely looking forward to episode 5 and finding out who the "two left alone at night" are.

Victory pose! Massugu de GO!!

Also,Finally the Council giving their power salute... PIC3 (http://home.comcast.net/~dturner_tg4/storagespace/manabi_salute.jpg).
I'd love a nice wallpaper of that, unfortunately that text was in the shot. This is where frame skip comes in handy. I've got a cap of that sans text (theres a couple frames between that popping on screen and the text coming up) but the quality isn't nearly as good, so it's not wallpaper quality: no-text (http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t299/anon09876/Manabi_Str_-_04_v2.png)

Since I can't provide much there, here's something else (http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t299/anon09876/manabigroup003.jpg) to distract >_> Maybe you can run the screencap through some image filter stuff, I'm no good with all that myself.

02-13-2007, 12:03 AM

something

02-13-2007, 12:14 AM

Gatts

02-13-2007, 12:59 AM

If anyone doubts that these girls look too young to be in high school, check out this

A third grader with boobs is still a third grader. ;)

Finally the Council giving their power salute... PIC3 (http://home.comcast.net/~dturner_tg4/storagespace/manabi_salute.jpg)

LOL, it's not the power salute until you take their gold medals. :)

TalonG4

02-13-2007, 08:00 AM

- Her brain doesn't work if she's not running! Oh man that is so like Manami. She's a little earthquake.

That was TOO funny... "She died..." :D

This is where frame skip comes in handy. I've got a cap of that sans text (theres a couple frames between that popping on screen and the text coming up) but the quality isn't nearly as good, so it's not wallpaper quality: no-text (http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t299/anon09876/Manabi_Str_-_04_v2.png)

I tried to use frame skip to that scene but when I took the cap, it still came up with the text covered one... oh well. I'm not great with photoshop but I could try fooling with it.

Since I can't provide much there, here's something else (http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t299/anon09876/manabigroup003.jpg) to distract >_> Maybe you can run the screencap through some image filter stuff, I'm no good with all that myself.

I saw that pic up on danboru after I made my post. :sd:

I also noticed that the year of this show is 2035 from the calendar in Mei's room.(Unless she likes old calendars or something) I don't know if that was mentioned... or matters really.

Nork22

02-13-2007, 08:24 AM

Just watched and I have to say that this show is now officially awesome and puts a big smile on my face by the end everytime.
For me, this show might turn out to be the next ARIA. And since I've seen 6 episodes so far, it's not that far-fetched to think that it might be.

Suwako Moriya

02-13-2007, 08:33 AM

Since I can't provide much there, here's something else (http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t299/anon09876/manabigroup003.jpg) to distract >_>

Ah the girls of Manabi Straight are cutesy yet attractive. In short I approve of that image. It's also rather appropriate to have Manabi and Mika in the same section too.

02-13-2007, 11:19 AM

That composite image is great... I'm lamenting that one of the girls at either end will have to be cropped out to bring it to standard wallpaper resolution. Except for a widescreen treatment, which is useless to me.
Eh, just leave some black at the top and bottom. I like to have some black to place my desktop icons anyway, as icons on an image either 1) mess up the image or 2) are hard to read.

Edit: ::plays around with image:: I know it's not widescreen (I run 1280x1024), but I'd sooooo use this (http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t299/anon09876/manabigroup003wall.jpg) as my wallpaper... if other people didn't live in the house and occasionally see my monitor >_>
It looks badly softened compared to the original. What program did the resize?

Anywho, I personally hate black bars on backgrounds, but that's just me. I put up with them on the 2nd monitor but on the primary I didn't buy the huge expensive thing to not use all of it's real estate. :) Display 1 pretty much only has my own efforts on it anymore anyway.

something

02-13-2007, 12:01 PM

ayareiko

02-13-2007, 02:15 PM

This is where frame skip comes in handy. I've got a cap of that sans text (theres a couple frames between that popping on screen and the text coming up) but the quality isn't nearly as good, so it's not wallpaper quality: no-text (http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t299/anon09876/Manabi_Str_-_04_v2.png)

Since I can't provide much there, here's something else (http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t299/anon09876/manabigroup003.jpg) to distract >_> Maybe you can run the screencap through some image filter stuff, I'm no good with all that myself.
Version 1 (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q158/AyaReiko/ManabiStr.png)
Version 2 (http://img76.imageshack.us/img76/8757/manabistrv2by0.png)

something

02-13-2007, 03:18 PM

Version 1 (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q158/AyaReiko/ManabiStr.png)
Ah that looks a little better, less blur and sharper detail.

Atomsk

02-13-2007, 10:15 PM

Or try these..

raw (http://home.orange.nl/raoostdijk/img/salute1.png)
smart blurred (http://home.orange.nl/raoostdijk/img/salute2.png)
grabbed with the ffdshow filter "grab" option.

02-13-2007, 10:21 PM

It looks badly softened compared to the original. What program did the resize?
"Badly" softened... huh? Not seeing that. All I did was darken it a little bit, because I don't like bright backgrounds (since I'm always staring at my monitor in a pitch black room). That's just my own change, didn't touch anything else aside from the resize. So, darkened, not softened. If anything changed, it's because I couldn't upload the .png to photobucket (1mb max), but the jpg and png dont really look any different. The original is a .jpg anyways, you can see the ickiness on Mei's leg if you look closely. I just use Paint.Net, since I'm one of the few people on the internet who refuses to download and crack Photoshop =P
Here's my attempt (http://spe.midco.net/tyrellgoetz/1280n_01.jpg) if you'd like to give that a try. :) These were all individual scans originally and the one for Mei was damaged unlike the others. I had to pull jpeg noise of of her hair, clothing and legs like you mentioned. I wanted to adjust the levels so her hair and leggings weren't so dark looking but it caused some really bad color banding to appear on her legs that was a bitch to get out so I gave up. I thought filling the bars with colors from two of the "cuts" worked well here. Simple and effective.

Nork22

02-18-2007, 04:50 PM

Man what a laugh. This series is still going strong in what it does, and that is portraying the simple life and fun of school.

The episode though had plenty of laugh out loud moments that seem so random. Especially at the start where Mei screams out for all of the cicadas to shut up and they all did. :D

Anyway from what I understand, the Council is behind on a lot of paper work and they are nearing deadline. Mei stresses out and takes it out on/starts slapping Mucchi, who happened to fall asleep during work. Then Manabi loses the plot and started rambling. Mucchi tries to get Manabi back to her senses, but gets hit in the face by a few "Masugu GO!". Doesn't help that Mei gives Mucchi a few more round of the back hand while accusing Mucchi of being a guy. As all of this unfolds, Mikan tries to get Momo to help, but all she's doing is eating some chocolates (and talking about her trip to Hawaii). Mikan couldn't take it anymore and started bawling her eyes out, which snaps everyone back to their senses and continue on with their work. This whole scene was so random, that I just couldn't but help laugh at the mess.

Then Takako pays a visit again to Seioh, but this time it's due to something the Principal at Aikoh said to her. Dunno if I heard/understand it right, but it's basically her telling Takako that the festival shouldn't be about having fun, and it's main interest is to attract people to enrol at the school more than anything. She's hoping to see that Seioh is doing the same, to make it more about attracting enrolments than having fun, but Manabi plans to make it more about the students having fun.

Oh and then there's the random humour from the softball team that just strangely breaks up the mood.

I seriously can't wait for more. This show is pure love. :D

Suwako Moriya

02-18-2007, 09:34 PM

I shall call this the breakdown episode. I mean seriously it looked like even Manabi was losing it. Momoha actually looks rather nice in her tan. Also I will admit to approving of the scene where their uniforms were wet. Hmm I'm starting to wonder if this School Festival thing may be used as the well major Climax of the story or at least as part of the climax anyway.

Nork22

02-19-2007, 05:25 AM

No doubt the school festival will be some climax. Probably for the TV run, and then the supposed 13th DVD only episode will nicely finish the series off. :)

TalonG4

02-19-2007, 08:03 AM

No doubt the school festival will be some climax. Probably for the TV run, and then the supposed 13th DVD only episode will nicely finish the series off. :)

Only 13 episodes, eh? *sniff* :cry:
Why are the best shows always so short? Or maybe that's why they are so good.

Ingraman

02-19-2007, 10:43 PM

Mei stresses out and takes it out on/starts slapping Mucchi, who happened to fall asleep during work. Then Manabi loses the plot and started rambling. Mucchi tries to get Manabi back to her senses, but gets hit in the face by a few "Masugu GO!". Doesn't help that Mei gives Mucchi a few more round of the back hand while accusing Mucchi of being a guy.

I loved this scene... Manabi's record was skipping. ^_^;; I think that I picked out a few words to know what Mei's problem was, but it was fun watching her try to take Mucchi's skirt off. ^_^;;;

Thanks for the summary, which filled in a few blanks that I get for not knowing the language.

Nork22

02-20-2007, 05:33 AM

Thanks for the summary, which filled in a few blanks that I get for not knowing the language.
Disclaimer: My Japanese skills is the cumulation of watching anime for over 8 years now. :sd:

Suwako Moriya

02-20-2007, 05:41 AM

No doubt the school festival will be some climax. Probably for the TV run, and then the supposed 13th DVD only episode will nicely finish the series off. :)

Hmm maybe the series will end without showing the festival and episode 13 will actually be the episode where we truly see the festival. Then again it's hard to say for certain. I mean we've had all kinds of DVD only episodes. Still if they're evil enough they'll pull as Kasimasi and have 13 be the true conclusion, but then again it does give something to look forward to.

Nork22

02-20-2007, 06:05 AM

Hmm maybe the series will end without showing the festival and episode 13 will actually be the episode where we truly see the festival. Then again it's hard to say for certain. I mean we've had all kinds of DVD only episodes. Still if they're evil enough they'll pull as Kasimasi and have 13 be the true conclusion, but then again it does give something to look forward to.
Which begs the question though about the PV clips for Manabi. I've seen all 4 of them, and somehow those previews seem to give off the message of an upcoming apocalypse. I pray it's not the case because it's such a feel good show that would be so wasted on an Evangelion style apocalyptic depressing ending. And I do hope the 13th episode is not that sort of ending I want.

Nork22

02-20-2007, 08:00 AM

Thanks for the summary, which filled in a few blanks that I get for not knowing the language.
Disclaimer: My Japanese skills is the cumulation of watching anime for over 8 years now. :sd:
And as such, what I've read over at Animesuki's forums, the conversation between Takako and Aikoh's principal wasn't what I thought it was.
It's basically the Principal telling Takako that Seioh and Aikoh will merge due to the enrolment rate. The principal also wants Takako to stop Seioh's School Festival because it's just a waste of time. After seeing how much spirit Manabi & co. are putting into their festival, it would be cruel for Takako to do that to them, so she's decided to talk to the principal again.

Shiroi Hane

02-20-2007, 10:36 AM

Only got as far as ep 5 myself, but I couldn't resist doing this (http://anime.thenexxus.org/manabi/stuff/starryeyes.jpg).

I've already preordered the first two DVDs on yesasia, which is surprising as cdjapan only have the one listed, but the names are really messed up. Annoyingly Yesasia have all the character singles except the one I want the most which is Mei's, and they don't have the OST listed either.

Ingraman

02-21-2007, 04:35 AM

Only got as far as ep 5 myself, but I couldn't resist doing this (http://anime.thenexxus.org/manabi/stuff/starryeyes.jpg).

Did you mean to double-paste the URL? (fixed in the quote) ^_^;

I hadn't even thought about DVDs/CDs for Manabi, but I'll look into it. After all, I finished the Suzumiya Haruhi R2s, so I should start something else, shouldn't I? ^_^;;;

something

02-21-2007, 11:28 PM

Oh yay I can finally watch ep 5~

- I laughed until I choked when Mei busted out the Engrish about the BIG LONG HARD SPEAR. Half of what she said was utterly unintelligible. Hirano Aya is not cut out for engrish lines :sd:
- Mei and Mikan together huh? theirs is a dynamic that hasn't been focused on yet. To get a whole ep to themselves... Hmm I think I'll like this. (Haha, no shit I'll like it, it's Manabi Straight.)
- Operation Engage Mei, Day 1: FAIL'D
- I love how the girls fidget on the bed. I know that sounds dirty but I really do mean it in a "clean" way :sd: No, really.
- Operation Engage Mei, Day 2: FAIL'D
- Mikan's enthusiasm is utterly adorable. Mail! I can do it that way! It'll be great! I can... OH SHI-, SHE'S HERE!
- Supplemental Operation, Not Be A DipShit In The Bookstore: FAIL'D
- Mei. Is. So. CUUUUUUUUUUTE. Aaaaahhhhhhhhhh! I just want to squeal like a little girl right about now >_<
- DARTH MOMOHA!
- Mikan attaaaaaack. This plus a couple gifs I've seen from later episodes make me think this is really the next shounen fighting show in disguise! MIKAN KICK!
- "I swallowed it"
- Every time Mei blushes, I feel like life is that much more worth living. Oh god I moe so fucking hard for her. MEI-CHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!
- Final Operation, Miraculous Friends-to-Buddies All Nighter: VICTORY!

Five for five in terms of simply top tier anime material. Not a dull moment in any episode so far. Not a scene that I didn't fall in love with. And god I love Mei. NEED MOOOOOOOOOOAR.

Nork22

02-22-2007, 06:25 AM

- DARTH MOMOHA!
Ma: Where did you get the suit from?
Mo: ...
Ma: ...
Mo: The Internet...
Ma: ...
Mo: ...

Pure comedy gold. :D

Atomsk

02-22-2007, 06:38 AM

Stolen from the figure image news tread.. http://www.goodsmile.info/products/gsc/2007/gsc0706-02.html
O.O

Nork22

02-22-2007, 06:43 AM

Stolen from the figure image news tread.. http://www.goodsmile.info/products/gsc/2007/gsc0706-02.html
O.O
Arghh!!! You bastard! It's coming out in June? MUST PREORDER!!!!

something

02-22-2007, 06:47 AM

Stolen from the figure image news tread.. http://www.goodsmile.info/products/gsc/2007/gsc0706-02.html
O.O
Heh I caught that on some imageboard, it looks damn cool. I love the gradient hair XD

something

02-22-2007, 06:48 AM

Ma: Where did you get the suit from?
Mo: ...
Ma: ...
Mo: The Internet...
Ma: ...
Mo: ...
Haha yeah, everything she does is gold, here's hoping she gets more screen time and joins the student council soon.

Spirit Of The Stage

02-22-2007, 11:59 AM

Finally caught up on Manabi and this (ep 5) is my favourite to date 0 Mei and Mikan for the unbeatable pair...

And yes, I think Mei is quickly becoming one of my favourite characters in anime...

So better go to ebay to find my anti Manabi-mumps suit... :D

Nork22

02-25-2007, 06:15 PM

So the plot kicks in with this episode.
Well it seems the news is out that Seioh and Aikoh are going to merged. Manabi and co. aren't too happy with the news. Add to it about most of the school doesn't mind the merger, despite Manabi's effort to get Seioh to stick together. Just to cut things short, Kyoko (Aikoh's Chairwoman) makes an ultimatum. Get their enrolment rate (I think that's what she said) up to 70% and they will reconsider the merger.
Fun things about this episode:
- Manabi in the receiving end of a harisen courtesy of Mei. :D
- Manabi meeting her brother's girlfriend. ;)
- Aya Hisakawa playing the dual personality of a woman in Kyoko.

Ingraman

02-26-2007, 04:10 AM

- Manabi in the receiving end of a harisen courtesy of Mei. :D

Whack!

BTW, did Manabi learn her flying kicks from Suzumiya Haruhi?

- Manabi meeting her brother's girlfriend. ;)
- Aya Hisakawa playing the dual personality of a woman in Kyoko.

^_^;; Run away!

This one was even less episodic than usual.

02-26-2007, 02:22 PM

BTW, did Manabi learn her flying kicks from Suzumiya Haruhi?

You know I have noticed quite a few simiarities in style and feel between the two shows, especially in the physical and visual humor aspects.

Suwako Moriya

02-26-2007, 02:38 PM

Wow poor Manabi is going to have multiple problems to deal with. I'd say she needs help, but the problem is who will actually be willing to help her in a world where a lot of people seem to lack motivation in general. Yeah I know she has help in the form of characters like Mei, but I'm thinking of extra help here.

something

03-11-2007, 07:49 PM

God it feels like I haven't been able to watch an episode of this in forever =( Oh well, finally episode six...

- Oh no! Made in China!
- KYUUUUUUUUUUUUN~~~! Mei is hax. Shake that ass!
- Haha, hot Mutsuki on popsicle action... sooooo wrong XD
- So Mei isn't the only one Mutsuki has gotten to open up to others. Mika shared some interesting times with her too, apparently.
- Mutsuki's siblings are annoying >_> One cries, one is just a brat, and the other wants in Mikan's pants XD
- Mikan, fallen in the line of duty, killed by a barrage of pillows.
- This show always manages to take the smallest things and make them so memorable. The characters feel so absolutely genuine and likable. Mutsuki and Mika just chatting at the donut shop is nothing exceptional on the surface, but damn if I didn't enjoy it immensely. Then they hang out around town being cute until the sun comes up... and bomb their tests =P

Episode six was a very compact and simple episode, but that's the kind of thing I like about this show. Very slice of life, I guess you could say, and it does it as well as anything else I've seen. Now if only I can see more without so much delay...

Nork22

03-11-2007, 08:32 PM

Then they hang out around town being cute until the sun comes up... and bomb their tests =P
If you didn't know any better, they both look like boyfriend and girlfriend hanging out together. :D

DekarTheDragoon

03-11-2007, 08:34 PM

I've been looking forward to this show, although I haven't gotten around to watching it yet. I just hate having to wait for new episodes, so I'll probably wait until it is all out. Or hope for Geneon to pick it up, as it seems, as far as I can tell, like something Geneon would pick up.

But I do have a question about the show. Is it at all like Strawberry Marshmallow/Ichigo Mashimaro? I loved that show to death, and from the pictures, this show seems to be about the same concept. Cute girls doing cute things in cute ways ;)

Is this assumption correct? And if not, is there a show that this is more similar too?

Oh, and one more question, is there an important motherly figure, who may or may not actually be the mother, like Nobue? Because, well, Nobue... :virgin:

Err, anyways... Thanks in advance!

Nork22

03-11-2007, 08:47 PM

But I do have a question about the show. Is it at all like Strawberry Marshmallow/Ichigo Mashimaro? I loved that show to death, and from the pictures, this show seems to be about the same concept. Cute girls doing cute things in cute ways ;)

Is this assumption correct? And if not, is there a show that this is more similar too?
It is almost like Strawberry Marshallow, but there is an overall message with Manabi Straight that's hidden in it. The closest thing that I think comes close to it is Petite Princess Yucie in execution.

And there's no motherly figure around. There is that teacher the girls always pick on.

DekarTheDragoon

03-11-2007, 09:08 PM

It is almost like Strawberry Marshallow, but there is an overall message with Manabi Straight that's hidden in it. The closest thing that I think comes close to it is Petite Princess Yucie in execution.

And there's no motherly figure around. There is that teacher the girls always pick on.

Ah, ok. So it's similar to Petite Princess Yucie as well? Awesome, now I really want to watch the show :D

Thanks again.

SnowfairyX

03-11-2007, 09:19 PM

But I do have a question about the show. Is it at all like Strawberry Marshmallow/Ichigo Mashimaro? I loved that show to death, and from the pictures, this show seems to be about the same concept. Cute girls doing cute things in cute ways ;)
Somewhat, but I think it has more of a resemblance in feel to Kamichu! Both of those shows, I feel are much better than Manabi Straight! though. I haven't seen episode 6 yet but as of episode 5, the show really isn't clicking with me. It seems like the show is trying too hard to get the viewers to like the characters but currently, they're coming off as bland, uninteresting and sometimes even a bit irritating in my view. I'm also disliking the character designs and the music but I guess the overall animation is nice. Maybe I'll get a better impression after a re-watch but the first episode was nice at least.

Atomsk

03-11-2007, 09:55 PM

Yeah, it's not stellar, but it's a nice cute show. It's nice to see some something without fanservice (although some seem to see that everywhere :sigh: ) or complicated violent plots in a while. I also like the animation style with some 3D blended in.

Great happy lucky ED song by the way. Me wants. :) And more figures.. http://www.hlj.com/product/SIT13084 with Mika in it.

DekarTheDragoon

03-11-2007, 10:02 PM

Great happy lucky ED song by the way. Me wants. :) And more figures.. http://www.hlj.com/product/SIT13084 with Mika in it.

Yeah, those figures are awesome. It's kinda sad, but I have them pre-ordered already, even though I don't have a clue who they are :sd:

relentlessflame

03-11-2007, 11:48 PM

Somewhat, but I think it has more of a resemblance in feel to Kamichu! Both of those shows, I feel are much better than Manabi Straight! though. I haven't seen episode 6 yet but as of episode 5, the show really isn't clicking with me. It seems like the show is trying too hard to get the viewers to like the characters but currently, they're coming off as bland, uninteresting and sometimes even a bit irritating in my view. I'm also disliking the character designs and the music but I guess the overall animation is nice. Maybe I'll get a better impression after a re-watch but the first episode was nice at least.
Heh - the interesting thing is that I'd really say the exact opposite for myself. This show definitely clicks with me much more than Kamichu; I like the characters (don't find them either unintersting or irritating), the character designs, and the music. I guess the moral of the story is "your mileage may vary", as usual.

Ingraman

03-12-2007, 12:18 PM

O_O

Before school one morning, the clock in the tower explodes, destroying the student council room.

Heh... The fairy of the... clock? tower? school? ...speaking to the students. ^_^;

The male teacher (what was his name?) who serves as Manabi's kick-target shows the girls the old (original?) school building that the principal visited last episode (and was where she went to school), but the girls run away, fearing that it's haunted. ^_^;; Momo's a good story-teller...

School spirit (no, not the fairy) returns as a large number of students help clean up the old building, and turn the old dining room/cafeteria into the new student council room.

It looks as though there will be enough participation to allow the school festival to go forward.

Okay, so how much of that did I screw up by knowing very very little of the Japanese language? Can anyone fill in all of the blanks remaining? ^_^;;

something

03-12-2007, 03:46 PM

Heh - the interesting thing is that I'd really say the exact opposite for myself. This show definitely clicks with me much more than Kamichu; I like the characters (don't find them either unintersting or irritating), the character designs, and the music. I guess the moral of the story is "your mileage may vary", as usual.
Ditto. Everything sfX brought up is everything I think this show does exceptionally well. The characters are all so vibrantly alive. The animation is gorgeous. the designs are adorable. The music is good, though a different song would have suited the OP animation better. I love that simple clapping-sorta track that plays during the previews and occasionally in the show. Every single episode I've seen so far (to 6) has a major emotional high point in the second half of the episode that always leaves me feeling very very happy at the end.

Definitely feel good in the extreme, and it has a simple but rather meaningful message behind it. It's comedic and lighthearted, but life isn't completely perfect for everyone. On the other hand, they avoid the sort of overblown drama that could wreck the spirit of the show. The girls have problems, but they're things that girls their age go through in real life. I look forward to seeing what's up with Mei though. We got a glimpse, but there has to be more.

I'm just sad the show is only going to be ~13 episodes. Manabi Straight conveys so much in each episode, even while doing so little. The actual plot of each episode is very simple, no more than a few sentences will sum it up completely. But to actually experience it, that's something else entirely. Definitely the sort of show that has to be seen before it can be explained.

Nork22

03-12-2007, 05:40 PM

Yeah, that's the gist of it. :)

I laughed during the spirit of the clock tower speech. And I laughed even harder after that when Mikan actually believed it. :D

Ingraman

03-12-2007, 10:44 PM

Yeah, that's the gist of it. :)

^_^;

I laughed during the spirit of the clock tower speech. And I laughed even harder after that when Mikan actually believed it. :D

Yeah... Even if I didn't know what was being said (other than the obvious what with the "flashbacks" of the school), I was laughing. Mikan was so cute (or should that be "kyuuuuuuuun"? ^_^ ) then. Was there anything in particular in the Spirit's speech worth noting?

Nork22

03-13-2007, 07:16 AM

Yeah... Even if I didn't know what was being said (other than the obvious what with the "flashbacks" of the school), I was laughing. Mikan was so cute (or should that be "kyuuuuuuuun"? ^_^ ) then. Was there anything in particular in the Spirit's speech worth noting?
My Japanese is shoddy, but I'm guessing it's much like preaching/telling everyone about the Student Council's plight...

something

03-14-2007, 08:04 PM

#!@&*#!@&*()#(!@ hate this forum software, STOP EATING MY POSTS #*(!@&#*(!@

Anyway.... slowly creeping towards catching up. Let's try to reconstruct what I had....

- The higurashi cry... until Mei shuts them up =D Fear her...
- Oh my, Momoha is hot (http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t299/anon09876/momohawt.png). There's clearly some complex higher mathematics involved here with percentage of skin shown correlating to sexiness but it's simply beyond me so I'll just be happy about it. Definitely looking like a healthy girl there. Momoha = win.
- They snapped! And Mei definitely does seem to be going higu on us. USOU DA!!! (http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t299/anon09876/mei_O_o.png)
- Baseball girl love interlude!
- Violence! Mei and Mutsuki duke it out -- "You're a man, aren't you ashamed to be wearing a skirt?!" XD -- and then Manami gives Mutsuki a MASSUGU UPPERCUT! Momoha is as hilariously useless as ever in Mikan's time of need, and so sobbing has to get the job done. And they all listen. :sd: Mika really is the focal point of this show.
- This is one of the funniest damn things I've seen in forever =P
- And Mika meets up with her obsession. And damn she's tall. She's got like a foot on Mika. Mika is soooooooo smitten. - And Mei-chan is so tsuntsun~ Takako just completely disarms her with a compliment like it's nothing.
- Enter the villain... Evil Aikoh Superintendent! A school merger makes sense as a 'central conflict' for this show, what with the dwindling population and schools lacking vitality. Now the girls can muster all their charisma and imagination and all that good stuff to stop the merger and save Seioh~ Or something
- Baseball girl love interlude, Mk. II!
- Hah! XD Momoha calls it like it is, flat out calling Mei a 'tsundere' XD
- Great, great episode. We get a very cute and funny and feel-good episode (loved the fireworks part) with hints of the trouble to come... This show really does keep getting better.

Suwako Moriya

03-14-2007, 08:46 PM

Definitely looking like a healthy girl there. Momoha = win.

Ah I'm glad to see that you've learned the awesome truth. That was one of the best moments of the episode. Granted at least in this case the whole tan thing helps a bit. *Note to self watch episode 10 later* Yes I do mean episode 10. I'm going to be rather curious to see how they end the series.

something

03-14-2007, 09:03 PM

I'm going to be rather curious to see how they end the series.
Mika will cry, Mei will be deredere, Manami will MASSUGU like it's her job, Mutsuki will have that smug "I know what's up" smile, and Momoha will stare into space and go "oooooooooooooh..."

And they'll be standing on the smoking remains of their enemies, triumphant, bearing the banner of Seioh High.

And it will be glorious.

Disclaimer: Or they'll pull a bittersweet ending on us, which could be just as awesome in different ways.

ayareiko

03-15-2007, 03:32 AM

- Oh my, Momoha is hot (http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t299/anon09876/momohawt.png). There's clearly some complex higher mathematics involved here with percentage of skin shown correlating to sexiness but it's simply beyond me so I'll just be happy about it. Definitely looking like a healthy girl there. Momoha = win.
QFT

To settle any doubt about Trilobite-tan. (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q158/AyaReiko/momosugoi1.png)

stfram

03-15-2007, 05:12 AM

- Oh my, Momoha is hot (http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t299/anon09876/momohawt.png).

I like the killer whale in the background devouring the seal.

Nork22

03-18-2007, 06:54 PM

TalonG4

03-18-2007, 08:47 PM

Wow... just wow...

Seeing all their hard work and effort to build the school's festival pay off in the end brought a big smile to my face. Don't want to say anything more till you guys reach this episode.

Now how will they end the series I wonder?

Well, you kind of already spoiled it... unless death and destruction bring a big smile to you face, I'm assuming it's a happy ending.

I'm being totally facetious by the way. Every episode of this show has brought a big smile to MY face so I can't wait to see it.

Nork22

03-19-2007, 07:57 AM

Well, you kind of already spoiled it... unless death and destruction bring a big smile to you face, I'm assuming it's a happy ending.
Hmmm.... :sd: :sd:

But it's only episode 11! We have one more broadcast episode to go!

Suwako Moriya

03-19-2007, 11:33 AM

But it's only episode 11! We have one more broadcast episode to go!

Which will hopefully be another awesome episode. Yeah you can tell I recently finished watching episode 11 a couple of hours ago. You know it may be a great idea to do a rewatch/marathon of the series around the time of the DVD only episode. It's starting to feel like one of those series. Granted the only true way to test a show's power to be marathoned is to marathon it.

Ingraman

03-19-2007, 04:36 PM

Wow... just wow...

Something like that. I just finished the episode, and I was happy with it.

Don't want to say anything more till you guys reach this episode.

Yeah, gotta minimize the spoilers as to what happens, who shows up, and who tries to show up. ;p

Now how will they end the series I wonder?

We'll see. Is the next episode next week? I remember an onscreen message that had a date, but I don't recall what the date was, and I couldn't read the rest of it, anyway. ^_^;;

Yay! Finally to four digits! *^_^*

Nork22

03-25-2007, 07:15 PM

It ended nicely with the way the show was going.

Things to note:
- It's graduation, and everyone is going their separate ways.
- There is a new student council, and it looks like they will be continuing what Manabi and co. started.
- Mikan's heading off to Oregon. While she doesn't like the idea at first because she doesn't want to leave her friends, Manabi tells her to keep on moving forward.
- Damn you King Records! I like the Seitoh Gakuen version of 'Happy Life!'

Ingraman

03-26-2007, 04:40 AM

It ended nicely with the way the show was going.

I was happy with the ending.

Things to note:
- It's graduation, and everyone is going their separate ways.

<sniff> G'bye!

- There is a new student council, and it looks like they will be continuing what Manabi and co. started.

I liked the way that they kicked Mikan out of the council room.

- Damn you King Records! I like the Seitoh Gakuen version of 'Happy Life!'

Yeah, that's a single that I might go look for.

- Momo's got money!
- Mei's driving a 30-35-year old car, which appears to be in very good shape.
- Manabi's got a bigger hover scooter/bike
- Mei's got a friend at her new school...
- Couldn't quite tell what Mucchi was up to post-high school, other than playing base(or soft?)ball.

At the end, when Mikan was being welcomed back, I thought "I recognize Mei's clothes, I wonder if they're about to commit some vandalism." ^_^;

Suwako Moriya

03-26-2007, 10:27 PM

You know the only thing that prevents me from calling this an awesome final episode is the fact there is still the dvd-only episode 13 to watch. Other than that episode 12 is just more proof of how awesome the series is over all. Yeah I just finished watching the episode a few minutes ago.

something

05-27-2007, 09:00 PM

FINALLY! Now I can marathon the second half. I'm going to post these in two episode chunks (8-9, 10-11, then 12) so people don't have to see ending spoilers if they want to read about episode 8 or whatever.

Episode 8:

- The hammer drops, the school fair is cancelled! Not if Manami has anything to say about it... She just totally flying drop kicked Shimoji-sensei XD
- Oh wow, that was a longwinded speech from Manami XD Revolt! Revolt! Revolt! Manami, Mikan and Mutsuki prepare to lead a rebellion, until Mei comes in and completely destroys Manami with a harisen, hhaha.
- Mei takes a somewhat more rational approach, suggesting a petition campaign and an audience with the bitchy superintendent of Takako's school. And so the girls go around putting up posters, getting signatures, holding rallies... it goes well at first, but quickly loses momentum =( They just can't excite the student body quite enough.
- ...TRAITOR! Manami's brother is dating the Aikoh bitch! KILL HER! KILLLL HERRRRRR!!!!! Anyway, Manami runs into her when she gets home, and immeidately leaved to go stay with Mikan. Manami's brother tells Kyoko (the Aikoh bitch) that Manami has lived all over the world because of their parents' jobs -- Cambodia, Israel, Tibet, everywhere. School is important to her as a way of meeting friends in each of those places too.
- Kyoko hears this and decides to grant an audience to Manami to discuss her concerns. She treats Manabi like a kid, squeals about her brother, but brings up one good point: she doesn't see the rest of the student body being as stubborn about it as the Student Council. Manami throws a MOE FIST in her face and vows not to let her get her way, and Kyoko presents her their last chance: get 70% of the students to sign a petition in favor of keeping the school fair.

The music at the end of this episode was really good, as was the determined look on their faces as they walk out of the Student Council room, 168 hours from the deadline, from judgment day. God this is going to be so epic. MASSUGU GO!!

Episode 9:

- They're really not having much luck at all... 142 hours
- Seioh's superintendent remembers her own past at the school, thirty years ago when she lived as a student in the now abandoned dorm. She lead her own protest movement to the dorm's closing as a third year, and had no more luck than Manami and friends seem to be having.
- Back in the student council room, they're putting together plans for their petition drive. manami suggests... dolphins. :sd: Mei suggests a pyramid scheme, ahahah.
- It looks like Mutsuki is perhaps going to be the first casualty to despair. More and more ::INSERT GIANT RAIN STORM AND POWER OUTAGE HERE, good thing I'm saving this occasionally, grrrrr:: she's believing that it's just not possible, that they're not going to be able to get the signatures.
- Manami's plan to win people over is... dolphins! ...>_>, while Mei suggests a pyramid scheme XD
- Aikoh debuts Seioh's new school anthem, which is pretty much a hyperprocessed piece of cheesy pop garbage. Then all of a sudden... MOMOHAXED!
- Oh my god. Momoha just won the universe. She puts together everything she's been taping, edits it together and plays it back with the REAL Seioh anthem. All of the Student Council's arguments, triumphs, setbacks, slacking off, laughing and crying, hacked into the Aikoh broadcast and shown to the whole school. Mutsuki and Mei rush to the Student Council room where Manami and Mikan are, and reaffirm their desire to do their best and save the school fair.

And they finally start to get signatures again. Oh my god what a wonderful episode that was. That just made me indescribably happy. Reactions to 10 and 11 forthcoming.

46 HOURS

MASSUGU GO!

Splitter

05-27-2007, 09:08 PM

Ah, more reminders of just how much I loved this show. I was going to bump this on Friday but it was so old... thanks for doing it, Smoked Cheese Man ^^

You know, it almost seems like Kyoko enjoys pissing Manabi off ^^

And yes, Momo owns the universe. She's the greatest X-factor in a slice-of-life anime since Osaka.

something

05-27-2007, 10:05 PM

36 HOURS

Episode 10:

- Manami the Clock Fairy! Hahaha.
- ...And then the clock explodes. And the Student Council room is utterly destroyed. Wow.
- Shimojima gets permission for the girls to move their operations into the old Seioh dorm. They have a pretty gigantic task ahead of them to clean it up, and it's all sorts of dark and creepy, but they're going to give it their best. Of course with barely over a day left, they don't really have time to be cleaning up..
- Mei wonders if maybe the idea of "Friends to Buddies" is lost on many people. Like she says, it wasnt until recently that she really began to understand what it means to work hard with people you care about. And it's probably that way for others too. It might just be a phrase important to her and her friends, but nobody else understands...
- ...But then we see she's not the only one. The drama club comes out to help, then the home ec club, then everyone who pitched in for the first student council room is back. Momentum is building, the superintendent comes to join them, Shimojima (who is awesome, btw) grabs the generator to get them some light, and they all get back to work <3
- Oh god, epic cute Mei moment. Another girl offers her a drink (LOVE!) and Mei surprises her by asking if she wants to work together <3 <3 <3
- 76 PERCENT! 76 PERCENT! 76 PERCENT! Yaaaaaaay~

This is like the third episode in a row I've been all sniffly with emotion at the end of. I ave seen very few shows that can be this consistently strong, this well animated, this powerful with the most mundane subject matter.

Must... keep... going...

Episode 11:

- Wahahahah! Just as they're about to TOTALLY ROCK OUT it cuts to silly happy op XD
- TENCHU!!!!! Mutsuki registers a knockout! Also, Manami's brother for the win, haha. The fair is so popular now that people are printing off fake tickets.
- ::finishes episode:: Well that was pretty much perfect. It's something to experience more than to talk about, so I won't say too much. All you have to know is MANAMI IS ROCK GOD! and MOMOHANABI FOR THE WIN! The song, both the first one and the anthem remix, were really cute and fun and well done. Damnit this show delivers, episode after episode.

So 10 clears up the struggle for the fair, 11 is the fair, and in 12 we're going to say goodbye. Again, that's how you pace things. Manabi Straight has that down to a science. And now I'm going to see how it ends...

MASSUGU GO!

Nork22

05-27-2007, 10:46 PM

Watching the last episode again made me realise how much I miss high school.

Plus I might add, it has the neatest recycle ending I've seen.

Splitter

05-27-2007, 10:58 PM

Watching the last episode again made me realise how much I miss high school.

*nods*

I called up all my old friends after watching it, just to see how things are going, what they're doing... if they wanna get together and tag our alma mater... okay, maybe not the last one, but I didn't want them to think I had gotten even crazier since I left.

something

05-27-2007, 11:00 PM

::stikes a Victory Pose::

Episode 12:

- This looks familiar... Bye bye? NO! NO BYE BYE!
- Mikan-senpai... two year jump! Graduation =(
- Momoha is going on to major in digital journalism. Mei is going to college. Mutsuki is set to enter a professional sports squad of some sort. But Manami... she's going to become a temp job hopper, doing whatsver strikes her fancy XD
- Much hilarity as Mei lists off the things made by the Odori group: the air board, agenda book, cell phone, computer, desks, even her socks XD
- And Mikan is going... to America! Oregon... wow, how random XD Also, I looooove the way the sakura blossoms are falling down around them.

Again, more something to experience than to talk about. Mikan departs for America, and the girls rush there (in Mei's car~! XD) to catch up with her and say goodbye. They hit traffic, but at the last minute, as Mikan hesitates at the departure gate, they get there.

They call out her name.

They give a group Victory Fist.

Nothing else needs to be said. She gets it. They get it. She turns and walks away, and they do the same.

Mutsuki goes on to playing baseball, Manabi takes her part time jobs, her brother becomes a teacher at Seioh, Momoha does her journalism, and Mei goes to college. With Takako. And blushes a lot as they have class together =D Muahhahah! She'll steal her right out from under Mikan! XD

Before the show ends, we get one last scene. A year and a half later, Mikan returns from America. She stands at a railroad crossing, alone. Wondering what her friends are doing, no doubt, and if they remember her. Wondering if her year and a half abroad changed her for the better. But then she looks down, as the crossing barriers descend to herald the coming of a train, and you know what she sees. Mei, Manami, Mutsuki and Momoha all waiting for her. They enjoy a romp around town in a group remix of the graffiti OP, and then, literally, walk off into the sunset. And Gakuen Utopia Manabi Straight ends.

Two thoughts:

1) I'm never going to get over how these quirky animated shows from Japan can get such strong emotional responses out of me with shows about school. I hated school. I hated the teachers and everyone else in it. I keep contact with absolutely not one person (excepting family, not much choice there) from the period of my life before I went to college. Not one. And I feel no regret over that, and I feel no nostalgia for those years of my life. And yet... and yet shows like this resonate with me so much, for no good reason at all. Even without any sort of personal experiences like this, even without wanting to experience it all myself, even being glad that that part of my life is dead and gone, these shows take something I shouldn't care about and MAKE me care, not for my own experiences but rather for those of the characters they create.

2) I'm glad there wasn't to much dialogue at the end because it's hard to read subtitles when misty-eyed.

Yeah, I think I'll be updating my most-wanted list now... [Edit: I didnt realize I already had it at #4 :sd: Well, ok, it confirms that it deserves the spot then!]

The only thing I have left to say is... ...MASSUGU GO!!!!!!!

something

05-27-2007, 11:01 PM

Watching the last episode again made me realise how much I miss high school. *nods* I called up all my old friends after watching it, just to see how things are going, what they're doing...
Haha... wow. I was typing my response for 12 when you both posted, so it's sort of strange to see just how utterly different my particular approach is on that issue :sd:

Spirit Of The Stage

05-28-2007, 04:51 AM

1) I'm never going to get over how these quirky animated shows from Japan can get such strong emotional responses out of me with shows about school. I hated school. I hated the teachers and everyone else in it. I keep contact with absolutely not one person (excepting family, not much choice there) from the period of my life before I went to college. Not one. And I feel no regret over that, and I feel no nostalgia for those years of my life. And yet... and yet shows like this resonate with me so much, for no good reason at all. Even without any sort of personal experiences like this, even without wanting to experience it all myself, even being glad that that part of my life is dead and gone, these shows take something I shouldn't care about and MAKE me care, not for my own experiences but rather for those of the characters they create.

2) I'm glad there wasn't to much dialogue at the end because it's hard to read subtitles when misty-eyed.

Yeah, I think I'll be updating my most-wanted list now... [Edit: I didnt realize I already had it at #4 :sd: Well, ok, it confirms that it deserves the spot then!]

The only thing I have left to say is... ...MASSUGU GO!!!!!!!

Absolutely. I've finally finished this series and this has been one of the big surprises this year - it's so funny and cute, with some incredibly likeable characters (all of the leads are fantastic though have a soft spot of Mei-chan...), random quirky humour, and yet strong emotions, especially at the end when Mikan leaves for the US...

Overall, a wonderful series which will be updated in my top 10 for licencing absolutely...PYUUUUUUUUNNNNNNNNN!!!

Suwako Moriya

05-28-2007, 08:59 AM

Nosredna

05-28-2007, 09:42 AM

Plus I might add, it has the neatest recycle ending I've seen.

I personally like how they used the "opening" in the final episode. Talk about a way to add new meaning to something you've seen multiple times so long as you don't happily skip the opening.

Since I hadn't watched the entire opening since the first episode (and that was a long time ago), I only remembered seeing the first five seconds of it, but I did think it was familiar, so I went back and re-watched the opening again. I did think that was pretty cool.

Suwako Moriya

05-28-2007, 10:02 AM

Since I hadn't watched the entire opening since the first episode (and that was a long time ago), I only remembered seeing the first five seconds of it, but I did think it was familiar, so I went back and re-watched the opening again. I did think that was pretty cool.

Actually I watched the opening and ending several times if not every single time. So yeah I became rather familiar with both because of that. Granted liking the opening, ending and the show a bit kind of helps motivate me to watch the opening and ending more often. Although when trying to marathon several episodes in a row one does start feel the pressure to save time on occasion, I'll admit that.

something

05-28-2007, 12:56 PM

Actually I watched the opening and ending several times if not every single time.
I watched the OP about 8 of the 10 times it was shown, I think. I never watched the ED in full at all, because the stop-motion sort of stuff just looks terrible. I really, really wish UFO Table would quit that. Having a good OP and ED can really add to a show (hello Haruhi, Kannazuki, or Nodame Cantabile first op/ed, etc!). I'm sure the stop-motion has its fans even if only because it's unique, but I ust think it's a waste of potential. Same problem with Futakoi Alternative, another brilliant and emotional UFO Table production.

Also, by watching the OP each time I noticed the differences. For example, episode 7 is the first time the spraypaint credits start fading after awhile. You also see the spraypaint coming out in rainbow colors when Mei tags the door. And then of course in the last episode it's changed/expanded again.

Suwako Moriya

05-28-2007, 01:12 PM

I'm sure the stop-motion has its fans even if only because it's unique, but I ust think it's a waste of potential.

To be honest I'm not sure I'd like an entire series to be like that. However when used as short segments for an opening or ending, I find they can be kind of fun. I wouldn't use the term unique, but they can feel like a change of pace. Sometimes the look of them can be rather nice even if it is in a simple/strange way or whatever.

Also, by watching the OP each time I noticed the differences.

I have to admit despite watching the opening multiple times I didn't really notice the changes. Probably because I don't remember details that well from week to week sometimes or even realize I should be looking for differences.

something

05-28-2007, 01:20 PM

I have to admit despite watching the opening multiple times I didn't really notice the changes. Probably because I don't remember details that well from week to week sometimes or even realize I should be looking for differences.
I almost didn't notice because it apparently started with episode seven, which 1) I think I skipped the OP for and 2) it was the last ep I saw before the huge gap between episodes being available, so I wouldn't have remembered even if I did see it for episode 7 :sd:

I only vaguely became aware of it as I kept watching during my marathon. I kept thinking to myself "did that really disappear before? was the spraypaint all rainbow-y when Mei tagged the door before?" I didn't actually check to confirm 100% until I was done the show.

Nork22

05-28-2007, 05:07 PM

I personally like how they used the "opening" in the final episode. Talk about a way to add new meaning to something you've seen multiple times so long as you don't happily skip the opening.
Add to it, it was the 5 leads doing the singing instead of Megumi.

I've always appreciate stop-motion animation because that is a dying art, so UFOtable always get kudos points for continuing on with that tradition.

relentlessflame

05-28-2007, 11:16 PM

I've always appreciate stop-motion animation because that is a dying art, so UFOtable always get kudos points for continuing on with that tradition.
Yup, for my part, I absolutely love ufotable's stop-motion EDs too. Adds a unique and somehow personal touch to the show. So I hope they continue the trend too. :)

In other news, I have to admit that I'm pretty curious about what's going to featured on the OVA/bonus episode to be released in October. Where do you go after a finale like that? Hmm...

Splitter

05-29-2007, 01:16 AM

stfram

05-29-2007, 02:46 AM

High school reunion where they're not lolified anymore?

Especially considering that they're all at least 21 by the end of episode 12. :)

Mikan's passport says she's 19, going by her birthdate and the passport issue date.

Suwako Moriya

05-29-2007, 08:26 AM

In other news, I have to admit that I'm pretty curious about what's going to featured on the OVA/bonus episode to be released in October. Where do you go after a finale like that? Hmm...

Mikan's confession to Manabi! Manabi accepts happily. Mei takes control of a bunch of mecha and rules the world. Mutsuki translates her sports skill into fighting skill and becomes a ninja master. Momo ends up looking even hotter. Okay maybe some of that is wishful thinking, but I wanted to say it anyway.

something

05-29-2007, 04:17 PM

Mikan's confession to Manabi! Manabi accepts happily.
No no no, needs more simultaneous Mikan/Mei confessions to Takako, who suggests a threesome.

Suwako Moriya

05-29-2007, 04:26 PM

No no no, needs more simultaneous Mikan/Mei confessions to Takako, who suggests a threesome.

Well I have to admit this is a decent alternative, but it does beg an important question. Does Momo get to film the event? Maybe I should have said extremely important question.

something

05-29-2007, 04:30 PM

Well I have to admit this is a decent alternative, but it does beg an important question. Does Momo get to film the event? Maybe I should have said extremely important question.
Momo films everything.

Dylonius Funk

05-29-2007, 05:11 PM

something

05-29-2007, 05:12 PM

:sigh: Dude this isn't aimed at you specifically so please don't take it like that. But you know, just because you can make something a sexual innuendo doesn't mean you have to.
...And your problem is what exactly?

Suwako Moriya

05-29-2007, 07:23 PM

But you know, just because you can make something a sexual innuendo doesn't mean you have to.

It's not a case of whether or not we have to. It's a case of whether or not we want to. In short when I do it's because I can and feel like it. Seriously I think something has the right idea to ask what the problem is because I don't see anything worth getting worked up over.

05-29-2007, 07:53 PM

Mikan's confession to Manabi! Manabi accepts happily.
No no no, needs more simultaneous Mikan/Mei confessions to Takako, who suggests a threesome.
:sigh: Dude this isn't aimed at you specifically so please don't take it like that. But you know, just because you can make something a sexual innuendo doesn't mean you have to.
You didn't exactly start posting here yesterday you know. People do it all the time. It's clearly more fun to target the innocent ones. Besides they're the ones that end up being tigers in bed. You know Mikan would ravage the other girls given the right opportunity. :>

Ingraman

07-20-2007, 12:45 AM

The joys of catching up to two months of discussions... ^_^;

Well I have to admit this is a decent alternative, but it does beg an important question. Does Momo get to film the event? Maybe I should have said extremely important question.
Momo films everything.

We'll see it in the stop-motion style like the end credits, right?

Suwako Moriya

10-14-2007, 06:31 PM

All right then I've finished watching the OVA and will likely re-watch it later. I'm not sure when it takes place during the series. However I can say for certain it has a definite fanservice angle to it. Plenty of wet clothes, a sadly short hot springs scene, a little bit of swimsuits, yukatas (I think) and the occasional uh view. Over all a decent OVA so long as you keep in mind it's the type of episode you watch for the fun of it and aren't expecting anything that will enlighten you.

Hopefully I'll have more thoughts later, but right now I just wanted to comment. Plus look at this way. At least the thread is no longer that far back as it used to be. So finding it should be easier for some when they do get around to watching it and commenting.

Shiroi Hane

10-14-2007, 06:43 PM

Only just had the shipping notification so not seen it yet :(

eobert

10-14-2007, 07:01 PM

The OVA episode fits in between episodes 6 and 7 of the TV series. In episode 7, it zooms in on a vacation photo of the girls wearing the same clothes they did in the OVA.

Regarding the episode itself, while the story was cute, and the fanservice level raised a few notches, it seemed rather low budget. It seemed like a good half of the episode was just a bunch of still shots panned across. Maybe it was for artistic purposes, but it came across to me like they didn't have much animation budget to work with. Perhaps they ran over budget on the TV show or something. I don't know. Other than that, I liked the episode. It was fun to see the girls running around again together.

Splitter

10-14-2007, 07:12 PM

Low-budget for the sake of fanservice... I think I'm just going to ignore it's existence. I see no reason to blemish one of the greatest anime I've ever seen by viewing something such as this.

Suwako Moriya

10-14-2007, 08:41 PM

Low-budget for the sake of fanservice... I think I'm just going to ignore it's existence. I see no reason to blemish one of the greatest anime I've ever seen by viewing something such as this.

I'm not going to try and claim it's a high caliber episode or anything like that. After all it is essentially a light-hearted bonus episode with a bit of fanservice issue. I won't comment on the budget aspect since I don't pay as much attention to that as some do and thus I don't consider myself an expert in such regards.

However I can say that watching the episode did not negatively effect my view of the over all series. Rather I would say if such an episode were to have any real major negative impact on my view of the series itself, I would then be forced to ask myself a simple question. Was the series even that good then? Granted that's probably just me, but still.

something

10-14-2007, 08:47 PM

However I can say that watching the episode did not negatively effect my view of the over all series. Rather I would say if such an episode were to have any real major negative impact on my view of the series itself, I would then be forced to ask myself a simple question. Was the series even that good then? Granted that's probably just me, but still.
Yeaaaaah, seriously. Silly bonus fanservicey DVD eps are a staple with anime, and watching them in no way affects what came before in the main series. I definitely look forward to watching this as soon as it's in a language I speak.

something

12-24-2007, 05:13 AM

Alright, so I FINALLY got to see this.

I'd read some comments before about how it was just oh so fanservicey, full of dirty dirty loli exploitation [etc etc blah blah].

...There's pretty much NOTHING of the sort. What the heck were people smoking? As close as you come is Manami floating to the surface of the onsen after holding her breath too long, or maybe a blurry one second view of Mei's bare shoulder and some sideboob. And you see, er, nothing really.

Anyway, not much to say about it. It takes place at some point before the school festival, so it's placed within the series timeline. It starts with the girls at Momoha's place, cleaning out her pool. They then head to a resort they had booked, but crappy weather and Mikan blowing away cause them to stop at the first place they can find, a traditional onsen/inn. They have fun doing the usual things (ping pong, cards, bathing, massage chairs), and then go to sleep. Momoha uses the footage she gets on the trip to put together a webpage, which the Seiou superintendent sends over to the other school's superintendent, perhaps as one of the early attempts at softening her up.

It's not even remotely ambitious, but that's fine because trying to be ambitious in a 24 minute DVD-only ep is an absurd idea and guarantees failure. So instead there's the usual Mikan cuteness, Mei being tsundere, Manami being crazy, etc. Best part had to be Mikan blowing away in the storm, and Mutsuki saying "We should save her..." XD

Anyway, short and sweet, and really cute. I liked it.

pianocello

12-28-2007, 08:31 PM

I just finished this and I must say that the last episode is arguably one of the best endings of the year. This is how Azumanga Daioh's last episode should have been. Overall, I though the strongest parts of the series were the early episodes and ending episodes with a slight slump in the middle.

There are so many things I love. I love the ED claymation. I thought it was clever how the OP became the ending. And I can't get that song out of my head. I love the clapping BGM. I love the puffy cheeks. This show also moved me to tears many times.
Like many others, I wish that Momo had gotten more character development. And I thought the yuri innuendo which was occasionally hinted at should have been developed more. :grin:

Does anyone find it odd that from the beginning to the ending, at least 3 years have passed and yet they look likely they have barely aged? I mean, they're now around 20 and they still look like they're 14.
Anyhow, i love this show but in a way I'm kind of sad that there won't be more (the conclusive ending really makes sure that there won't be more).

Also, I'm amazed how the Japanese can make high school life so nostalgic for me considering that I hated my high school life. By the way, I was surprised that they didn't develop the sci-fi aspect more. I wouldn't have been surprised to see a mecha suddenly pop up or some apocalyptic plot twist show up.

something

12-29-2007, 02:38 AM

Also, I'm amazed how the Japanese can make high school life so nostalgic for me considering that I hated my high school life.
Hah, so true. Anime can make me nostalgic for all sorts of things I loathed in real life. High school particularly, that was just four years of profound annoyance. But in anime? Suddenly it's incredibly exciting, dynamic, interesting, fun.

12-29-2007, 03:34 PM

Shiroi Hane

12-29-2007, 06:56 PM

I love the clapping BGM.
I have that on my PSP. Sounds like they're banging on drainpipes later in.

pianocello

12-30-2007, 01:38 AM

Also, I'm amazed how the Japanese can make high school life so nostalgic for me considering that I hated my high school life. By the way, I was surprised that they didn't develop the sci-fi aspect more. I wouldn't have been surprised to see a mecha suddenly pop up or some apocalyptic plot twist show up.
I like that thought. I guess I never thought of it that way but I agree. I hated my HS life too, but Manabi makes it feel magical. Of course I'd say that's the mark of any good anime given the lack of real world limitations, but it's still cool.

Oddly after watching this anime, I had a slight urge to call on 4 of my classmates and vandalize my old school with spray paint (not that I'd actually go ahead and do that though) :grin:

Splitter

12-30-2007, 01:47 AM