Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha - Favorite Fights? (spoilers)

[something]

Well, I don't feel like this belongs in the StrikerS thread, and that one's 6 posts away from being full anyway, so I come here with a new thread. Simple question (though, no poll, sorry, would take too long) -- of all the fantastic fights in Nanoha and Nanoha A's, what was your favorite? I'll let you all define what constitutes a single "fight", though don't be silly and say, like, "Signum vs. Fate!" because they fight what, like half a dozen times or more? Try to keep it somewhat isolated to a single clash. Also, no spoiler tags necessary. Yes, spoilers for both seasons, this is your chance to run away if you haven't seen it all.

As amazing as A's is, and as brutal and fast paced as its fights are, my favorite is still Fate and Nanoha's final fight in season one. In fact, the latter third of season one (eps 9-13) is my favorite part of the whole superb series, A's included.

Part of it is the buildup beforehand. Fate is brutalized by her mother, Arf has to flee for her life, and comes into the care of Arisa, where she comes to terms with Nanoha. And then Nanoha, Arf and Yuuno meet up with Fate. Arf pleads with her to abandon her mother's evil scheme, but Fate is resolute. Her decision is made. Nanoha doesn't try to talk her out of it this time. Spoken words have done all they can. Fate's eyes say all Nanoha needs to know.

Nanoha: "You can't just throw away everything you've done so far, right? You can't even consider running away now. And I'm sure the Jewel Seeds are behind everything you've done. So, let's bet them. Each of us will put our Jewel Seeds on the line."
::dual Put Out::
Nanoha: "After this... we can settle everything after this. Everything about us has yet to begin. So in order to truly start things between us... Let's begin. Our true first and final match!"

It's still the best exchange of the show (hellish tools being a very close second, though much shorter), even though Nanoha is the only one who "speaks", verbally anyway. And it's an amazing setup (and cliffhanger :sd: ) for the fight to come. I could give a blow by blow account of every part I enjoyed, but I'd be commenting on every other frame. It's just the most passionate damn fight EVER, and watching them trade blows, upping the ante each time, culminating in the introduction of my favorite attack ever: S T A R L I G H T B R E A K E R ...ahhhhh, being an anime fan is soooooo good.

They fight with an explosive mix of profound regret and superhuman determination that just makes me shiver. And while it might not be visually on par with the stunning A's battles, while it might not be the longest of the battles, while it might not be an epic battle involving multiple combatants on both sides, it's got heart like you wouldn't believe. And it makes masterful use of what is often the best background music of all - silence. Nothing emphasizes the brute force of an attack like a sudden hush descending on the battlefield, punctuated only by the crackle of coalescing energy that you can practically feel.

...I guess you can tell I marathoned the entire 26 episodes yesterday without stopping, and subsequently bumped Nanoha way up my top 10 favorites list (as I think I mentioned in an R1 thread yesterday)? But hey, there's nothing like posting about explosive mahou shoujo passion to make me forget the horror that is trying to find a job as a new graduate, which is making me want to rip my brain straight out of my skull and trample it to pieces on the ground. So, when I was feeling that way, I decided to rewatch a great Nanoha AMV (DOWNLOAD NOW! (http://www.animemusicvideos.org/members/members_videoinfo.php?v=122661)), and it made me think of posting this. And I can think of few things better to go to sleep thinking about than MSLN =D Thank you for allowing me my fanboygasm. Feel free to ramble every bit as long, if you so wish.

[Fencedude]

Oh man, this is going to be tough. I may have to think about this a bit

Oh, and while Chance! is a good AMV, Lyrical on Fire (http://www.animemusicvideos.org/members/members_videoinfo.php?v=127420) and Over the A's (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSx7YcpP3Cs) are even better.

Lyrical on Fire has some of the best editing I've ever seen in an AMV or MAD.

[Splitter]

Though Nanoha and Fate lose the fight, their first battle against the Wolkenritter in Ep. 2 of A's is by far my favorite. Right up to the very end, neither of them give any hint of giving up. And when Shamal impales Nanoha for her Linker Core and she fires off a Starlight Breaker anyway... oh man, that sent chills down my spine. And of course, Vita and Fate's short exchange of words.

"What are you? Allies?"
"No, we're friends."

[eobert]

My favorite choreographed fight is the Fate/Signum fight in ep 7 of A's. Even though the character designs/animation seemed a bit off, the sheer physical interaction between the two combatants was breathtaking.

I also enjoyed the final fight between Fate and Nanoha in season 1. When Nanoha says "This is my ultimate strength... it's everything I've got", I feel giddy.

And something I don't really consider a fight, since it's so one-sided, is the 'climax' fight between the heroes and the Book of Darkness defense program. It was basically a chance for all the characters to show off, but it was fun to watch nonetheless.

edit:
"What are you? Allies?"
"No, we're friends."

I can't think of that scene without remembering this comic (http://acatisfinetoo.com/edible/nanoha/as_nano03.html) instead.

[Nork22]

My favorite choreographed fight is the Fate/Signum fight in ep 7 of A's. Even though the character designs/animation seemed a bit off, the sheer physical interaction between the two combatants was breathtaking.
That's if you've seen the broadcast version. If you've seen the DVD version, the character designs and animation are up there in consistency as the 1st and 2nd episode of A's.

[Fencedude]

My favorite choreographed fight is the Fate/Signum fight in ep 7 of A's. Even though the character designs/animation seemed a bit off, the sheer physical interaction between the two combatants was breathtaking.
That's if you've seen the broadcast version. If you've seen the DVD version, the character designs and animation are up there in consistency as the 1st and 2nd episode of A's.


Yeah, the "Velka Style" Animation (as a friend of mine puts it) in the Hotsprings episode of season 1, and episodes 7 and 12 of season two were fixed for the DVD release.

Though that style is interesting in its own way, makes for a very...stylized look.

[something]

Oh, and while Chance! is a goodl AMV, Lyrical on Fire (http://www.animemusicvideos.org/members/members_videoinfo.php?v=127420) and Over the A's (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSx7YcpP3Cs) are even better.
Hmm, I like chance better than Over the A's. Part of this is because I absolutely oathe the male backup vocalist from high and Mighty Color, and wish someone would rip his vocal cords out. He sounds like he could ruin any song, like he does for "Ichirin no Hana" from Bleach. Also, youtube quality never flatters an AMV, but as I guess you saw, it doesn't seem to be on amv.org in HQ. It's definitely a good piece of work though, I liked it.

Lyrical on Fire definitely has some amazing editing and effects. Chance... well I don't think Chance uses very many effects, actually, which is sort of nice. But I do appreciate a good, well thought-out effects-heavy video. I definitely give Lyrical on Fire the edge in editing, though I greatly prefer Chance as a song. Lyrical is probably a slightly better AMV overall, but I might give Chance the edge no rewatch.

Thanks for the links though, I was on amv.org trying to find good Nanoha videos, but they all have so few views and even less opinions (and annoyingly amv.org doesn't let you read all a vid's opinions anymore). I took a chance on a couple, and besides, well, Chance, most were mediocre to just "okay". Lyrical is a great find though.

[Fencedude]

Its worth noting that both Over the A's and Lyrical on Fire are MADs, not AMVs. For some reason the Japanese are FAR better at doing Nanoha videos than Americans are.

Here's another of my favorites A's Combat Zero (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nf-NkV84q8). It uses the audio from the trailer to the videogame "Ace Combat Zero", it was made before StrikerS was announced, but now that we know some things about StrikerS its just STUPIDLY appropriate.

And I'll try to get downloads of the HQ versions of Over the A's and A's Combat Zero set up later.

[something]

Its worth noting that both Over the A's and Lyrical on Fire are MADs, not AMVs.
Yeah. I don't know if there's a "dictionary definition" for the difference between the two, but MADs usually have a different... "feel", even when it's all really the same thing. In large part that comes from using Japanese music. An AMV/MAD where lyrics are no longer a factor (since I cant understand them) is generally going to be a very difference experience from something using an English song. Rather than something that carries meaning, the words become another instrument.

For some reason the Japanese are FAR better at doing Nanoha videos than Americans are.
Probably the same reason they have a better reputation at cosplay -- we don't see the legions of crap here, only the best stuff tends to filter through. Meanwhile, we can go on amv.org and see every piece of crap uber-amateur AMV made stateside, since there's no de facto "filter" on those.

Here's another of my favorites A's Combat Zero (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nf-NkV84q8). It uses the audio from the trailer to the videogame "Ace Combat Zero", it was made before StrikerS was announced, but now that we know some things about StrikerS its just STUPIDLY appropriate.
SOLO WING PIXIE! XD And yea, just... wow. That is incredibly appropriate. And hilarious.

And I'll try to get downloads of the HQ versions of Over the A's and A's Combat Zero set up later.
Awesome, thanks.

[Fencedude]

Here's another of my favorites A's Combat Zero (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nf-NkV84q8). It uses the audio from the trailer to the videogame "Ace Combat Zero", it was made before StrikerS was announced, but now that we know some things about StrikerS its just STUPIDLY appropriate.
SOLO WING PIXIE! XD And yea, just... wow. That is incredibly appropriate. And hilarious.


One of the funniest parts is that the war in the game is actually called the "Belkan War".

Anyway, I'm uploading them to Rapidshitshare right now.

[Fencedude]

Over the A's (http://rapidshare.com/files/12330254/Over_The__A_s.wmv.html)

A's Combat Zero (http://rapidshare.com/files/12332388/_MAD_A_s_COMBAT_ZERO.wmv.html)

[something]

Over the A's (http://rapidshare.com/files/12330254/Over_The__A_s.wmv.html) A's Combat Zero (http://rapidshare.com/files/12332388/_MAD_A_s_COMBAT_ZERO.wmv.html)
Thanks, grabbed the first and just started the second (after RS's 60 minute wait). I'll try Over the A's again in HQ

[Isuzu Inugami]

I can't think of that scene without remembering this comic (http://acatisfinetoo.com/edible/nanoha/as_nano03.html) instead.

Oh my god, what a great site! :D

[Fencedude]

Here's another MAD, I haven't found a HQ version yet, but I haven't looked very hard either. its called The Prisoner of Yaten (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rib-rXuj8Y), and its done to the song Meikyuu no Prisoner by JAM Project, the opening to the Super Robot Wars: Original Generation OVA.

I wish JAM Project would do some actual songs for Nanoha, maybe an opening, and/or insert song. Especially if StrikerS really is 26 episodes, then Mizuki Nana can do one opening, while JAM Project does another.

[something]

Here's another MAD, I haven't found a HQ version yet, but I haven't looked very hard either. its called The Prisoner of Yaten (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rib-rXuj8Y), and its done to the song Meikyuu no Prisoner by JAM Project, the opening to the Super Robot Wars: Original Generation OVA.
I was going to say the song was way too "super roboty" for my tastes, but... it *IS* the SRW theme, so I guess that would be stating the obvious :sd:

And hey, you never did decide which fight you liked best =P

[Fencedude]

Here's another MAD, I haven't found a HQ version yet, but I haven't looked very hard either. its called The Prisoner of Yaten (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rib-rXuj8Y), and its done to the song Meikyuu no Prisoner by JAM Project, the opening to the Super Robot Wars: Original Generation OVA.
I was going to say the song was way too "super roboty" for my tastes, but... it *IS* the SRW theme, so I guess that would be stating the obvious :sd:

And hey, you never did decide which fight you liked best =P

I'm still thinking. Its a weighty decision.

Going back to MADs, I keep hoping that someone will make one using Asu e no Houko, the Opening theme for MuvLuv Alternative (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dNnyMCJ1yk). (and dammit, age needs to hurry up and get that animated instead of more Kiminozo bullshit)


Edit: and just for shits and giggles, here's the openings for MuvLuv (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2li4iI6knCA&mode=related&search=) and MuvLuv Unlimited (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7atco94I1h4&mode=related&search=)

Edit 2: oh yeah, videos very mildy NSFW, forgot about the pilot suits. *is posting this from work*

[Nork22]

Here's another MAD, I haven't found a HQ version yet, but I haven't looked very hard either. its called The Prisoner of Yaten (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rib-rXuj8Y), and its done to the song Meikyuu no Prisoner by JAM Project, the opening to the Super Robot Wars: Original Generation OVA.
Go find the HQ version! I've watched this MAD video countless amount of times.

[Fencedude]

Heh, I'll see what I can do, though I probably won't get a chance to really sit down and search until Sunday, unless I get really lucky.

That MAD made something of an effort to match the actual opening (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kj8QdcfYydE) of the OVA, though they obviously used the full version instead of the shortened one.

Hmm...I just found this, not too great, but interesting as an OP recreation: Shakugan no Signum (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bisx32JZeKE&mode=related&search=)


Also, just found this...Fate's Zecter (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYC9EuCggKQ&mode=related&search=)? makes me wonder what the song is from

[HitokiriShadow]

Edit: and just for shits and giggles, here's the openings for MuvLuv (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2li4iI6knCA&mode=related&search=) and MuvLuv Unlimited (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7atco94I1h4&mode=related&search=)

Edit 2: oh yeah, videos very mildy NSFW, forgot about the pilot suits. *is posting this from work*

Er, are these nipple powered mechs or something? Those uniforms are very.... interesting.

[Daniel_Perales]

I can only think of 3 fights that made me sit on the edge of my seat.

The first and best one is the one-on-one show-down with Nanoha & Fate in the first series.

The second one is Nanoha's first encounter with Vita, and the third one is the one with Fate and Signum fighting at a desert before being rudely interupted. Both from A's.


Danny

[Gatts]

Also, just found this...Fate's Zecter (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYC9EuCggKQ&mode=related&search=)? makes me wonder what the song is from

Full Force Kamen Rider Kabuto end theme
AVCA-22721 (http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=AVCA-22721)

[Fencedude]

Er, are these nipple powered mechs or something? Those uniforms are very.... interesting.

H-game. Though in Alternative they get new pilot suits that are black instead of translucent, they look much better Still rather overly skin tight though (http://www.muvluv.com/alternative/images/ev_02_01.jpg)

Oh, and have some Mitsuki and Akane (http://www.muvluv.com/alternative/images/ev_03_12.jpg)

[HitokiriShadow]

I'm well aware its an H-game (alternative being quite controversial for some of its content, and apparently trying to make KGNE look like sunshine and rainbows). It still seems rather silly.

I wouldn't really consider those suits skintight. Now the Godannar uniforms, THOSE are skintight. :P

But one can never have too much Akane. :D

[Kurou]

There are a few I like, but episode 12 of A's has to be my favorite. It's all Super Robot Wars-like with everyone breaking out their best attacks on the final boss.

I second Fence's thing about the JAM Project songs. I kinda doubt it'd happen, but..

[Ty]

Not entirely related but when I saw this I just had to share it in the only Nanoha thread on the board right now. Nanoha gains street cred. (http://www.moeboard.net/db/moe/20070125-1169686308437.jpg) :D