4th Season of 'Maria-sama ga Miteru' Announced

[Illusion]

I'm sure most fans have already heard of this fantastic news already, but in case you haven't:

"The Japanese magazine Cobalt has announced that the Maria-sama ga Miteru 4th Season anime adaptation of its popular light novels has been greenlit. The story revolves around the student council of Lillian, an all-girls Catholic high school. An accompanying interview with voice actresses Kana Ueda (Yumi), Haruna Ikezawa (Yoshino), and Mamiko Noto (Shimako) indicates the creators' reluctance to say whether the fourth season will be televised (like the first two seasons) or released directly on video (like the third season). Source: Canned Dogs"

Source (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-07-17/maria-sama-ga-miteru-4th-season-anime-announced)

Can't wait! ^___^

[masterpez]

Wow. I was thinking that it's going to suck so much after the next (and last) volume of the OAV is released. I've been thoroughly enjoying it, love the way Sachiko and Yumi's relationship has developed, adore Yumi's 10 foot tall stalker, and can't wait for more.

[Fencedude]

Where's Mah Episodes 5 and 6!?

[Illusion]

Where's Mah Episodes 5 and 6!?


Hmmm? The 3rd season is only comprised of 5 OVAs, of which the final is due out end of this month.

[Fencedude]

Where's Mah Episodes 5 and 6!?


Hmmm? The 3rd season is only comprised of 5 OVAs, of which the final is due out end of this month.

Damn, I thought it was six. Oh well, five is good.

[Natsume_Maya]

How many of the novels have been animated now, has anyone been keeping count?

I would've thought they'd been running out of stories by now, even though the novel series is still continuing. Or have some of the OVA episodes been original stories?

[Teiresias]

Great news! I've enjoyed season 3 thus far, though the OVA release schedule has been testing my patience. Hopefully, season 4 will see the return to regularity (in every way a good thing!).

[Lego]

Must be raking in the cash to support a fourth season. That or Geneon licensing it gave them the money :>

[something]

Yep, I just hope it's another full season. I've held off on 3rd until it's done because the wait between OVA eps is too long. It looks like the last episode comes out pretty soon though, so I guess I'll be able to marathon =D And then be ready for 4th, if it's TV. Awesome.

[Nork22]

Banzai to the 4th season!

More Shimako and Noriko! Plus the Drill vs the Stalker to go for Yumi's heart.

[Isuzu Inugami]

Four seasons?

Okay, I haven't seen it (I want to, though...), but four seasons? How frickin' long is it going to take them to realize they're lesbians?

[something]

Four seasons?
Okay, I haven't seen it (I want to, though...), but four seasons? How frickin' long is it going to take them to realize they're lesbians?
Heh, do note that the first three seasons combined only equal 29 episodes though. All good things take time ::nods::

[Fencedude]

Four seasons?

Okay, I haven't seen it (I want to, though...), but four seasons? How frickin' long is it going to take them to realize they're lesbians?

They (the main character at least) is only halfway through her second year of high school at this point...

[Fencedude]

Four seasons?
Okay, I haven't seen it (I want to, though...), but four seasons? How frickin' long is it going to take them to realize they're lesbians?
Heh, do note that the first three seasons combined only equal 29 episodes though. All good things take time ::nods::

31.

Though since season 3's episodes are double length, is more like 36.

[something]

31. Though since season 3's episodes are double length, is more like 36.
I've always hated math.

[evilarrex]

More maria-mite?? I've really been enjoying the 3rd season OVA so I am up for more. They need more Shimako and Yoshino!

[StudioZEL]

I've always hated math.

...unless the equation adds up to "Pillar of Moe"?

X3

[something]

I've always hated math....unless the equation adds up to "Pillar of Moe"? X3
There are exceptions to everything.

[pianocello]

Banzai to the 4th season!

More Shimako and Noriko!

There better be a Shimako x Noriko makeout scene....

[Fencedude]

Banzai to the 4th season!

More Shimako and Noriko!

There better be a Shimako x Noriko makeout scene....

We wish.

[masterpez]

There better be a Shimako x Noriko makeout scene....

I think if Sei gets more screen time in this 4th season, the amount of scenes that could result in situations like that would increase.

[Nork22]

There better be a Shimako x Noriko makeout scene....

I think if Sei gets more screen time in this 4th season, the amount of scenes that could result in situations like that would increase.
I doubt it that much. If anything, we will see more of Yumi trying to see who's going to be her "petite soeur" in season 4, along with Yoshino snagging a "petite soeur" of her own to ward of Eriko and the promise.

[Illusion]

How many of the novels have been animated now, has anyone been keeping count?

I was keeping count, then I stopped and forgot. There are a few sites which detail the linkage between novel -> anime episode, I'll try to find them again when I get home.


I would've thought they'd been running out of stories by now, even though the novel series is still continuing. Or have some of the OVA episodes been original stories?


I doubt they'll be running out of stories anytime soon, the last time I checked the novel series is up to volume 29 and still going strong. What's been covered in the anime is barely half of that.

No, I pretty sure none of the OVAs (or any of the arcs in the TV series, for that matter) have been original stories. They all come from the novels.


EDIT: This wikipedia page (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Maria-sama_ga_Miteru_media) has a nice, comprehensive list of the novel titles. From that, we can work out roughly that:

Season 1 (13 eps) covered novel volumes 1-6,
Season 2 (13 eps) covered novel volumes 7-11, and
Season 3 - OVA 1 ("Kohitsuji-tachi no Kyūka") covered novel volume 12
Season 3 - OVA 2 ("Ryakushite Ōkē Daisakusen (Kari)") covered novel volume 13 (chaoter 1)
Season 3 - OVA 3 ("Suzukaze Satsu-satsu") covered novel volume 14
Season 3 - OVA 4 ("Redī, Gō!") covered novel volume 15
Season 3 - OVA 5 ("Chao Sorerra!") covered novel volume 17

As you can see, only around half the novels have been animated (and the novels are still going), leaving plenty of material for more anime-style Marimite goodness. ;)

[masterpez]

I doubt it that much. If anything, we will see more of Yumi trying to see who's going to be her "petite soeur" in season 4, along with Yoshino snagging a "petite soeur" of her own to ward of Eriko and the promise.

Wasn't really saying that it would happen, just that if those types of zany antics were to take place in this kind of series, the queen of them would have to be involved somehow. And I was kind of expecting (hoping, at least) Yumi's soeur issue to be resolved in the next episode.

[Illusion]

And I was kind of expecting (hoping, at least) Yumi's soeur issue to be resolved in the next episode.

Haha, things aren't so straightforward in the Marimite universe. ;)

Besides, if that happened, what would the series be about from now on? :P

[masterpez]

Besides, if that happened, what would the series be about from now on? :P

Kintaro (http://fancyfree.mine.nu/pic/a_mary80c.html) (NSFW or your brain) transferring to Lillian. :> j/k

[Nork22]

Besides, if that happened, what would the series be about from now on? :P

Kintaro (http://fancyfree.mine.nu/pic/a_mary80c.html) (NSFW or your brain) transferring to Lillian. :> j/k


Noooo!!! It's a TRAP!!!! :P My BRAIN! MY BRAIN!

[HitokiriShadow]

More MariMite is always a good thing. I suppose I should get around to watching Season 3 one of these days.

[HitokiriShadow]

And I was kind of expecting (hoping, at least) Yumi's soeur issue to be resolved in the next episode.

Haha, things aren't so straightforward in the Marimite universe. ;)

Besides, if that happened, what would the series be about from now on? :P

Rampant lesbianism, of course. :P

[ayareiko]

How many of the novels have been animated now, has anyone been keeping count?

I was keeping count, then I stopped and forgot. There are a few sites which detail the linkage between novel -> anime episode, I'll try to find them again when I get home.


I would've thought they'd been running out of stories by now, even though the novel series is still continuing. Or have some of the OVA episodes been original stories?


I doubt they'll be running out of stories anytime soon, the last time I checked the novel series is up to volume 29 and still going strong. What's been covered in the anime is barely half of that.

No, I pretty sure none of the OVAs (or any of the arcs in the TV series, for that matter) have been original stories. They all come from the novels.


EDIT: This wikipedia page (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Maria-sama_ga_Miteru_media) has a nice, comprehensive list of the novel titles. From that, we can work out roughly that:

Season 1 (13 eps) covered novel volumes 1-6,
Season 2 (13 eps) covered novel volumes 7-11, and
Season 3 - OVA 1 ("Kohitsuji-tachi no Kyūka") covered novel volume 12
Season 3 - OVA 2 ("Ryakushite Ōkē Daisakusen (Kari)") covered novel volume 13 (chaoter 1)
Season 3 - OVA 3 ("Suzukaze Satsu-satsu") covered novel volume 14
Season 3 - OVA 4 ("Redī, Gō!") covered novel volume 15
Season 3 - OVA 5 ("Chao Sorerra!") covered novel volume 17

As you can see, only around half the novels have been animated (and the novels are still going), leaving plenty of material for more anime-style Marimite goodness. ;)

What happened in/to Volume 16?

[something]

Rampant lesbianism, of course. :P
You have no idea what I would give for that. It would be like Strawberry Panic, minus all its annoying flaws, and plus the Marimite cast I've come to love so much.

On the other hand, Marimite's defining characteristic is how it's become utterly legendary in the shoujo-ai/yuri fan community without more than [season 2? spoilers (or was that in 1...), but anyone in this thread likely has seen it] one canon relationship, and a flashback at that. To make it explicit might almost lose the appeal. Though it could then just appeal on an entirely new level...

I definitely look forward to marathoning the OVA in a few weeks, and then finding out when this is going to air

[Rhodes]

Okazu did a summary of novel 16... its a collection of short stories.

its hard to explain or describe em... some of it is pretty funny and one is downright surreal.

A bit of it I think will be carried over into the 4th season I think since it has to do with Yoshino and her promise to Eriko.

[Spirit Of The Stage]

You know, I first saw a few episodes of this series a while back and really couldn't get into it at all...yet all the hype here and the recommendations is slowly making me want to give the series another chance...

Any Marimite experts out there, can you give me the reasons (aside from the yuri innuendo) why I should give this series another chance? I don't mind spoilers (though hide them of course) so convert me... :D (Hey, it worked with Nanoha, another gem I should really give a chance?)

[something]

Any Marimite experts out there, can you give me the reasons (aside from the yuri innuendo) why I should give this series another chance? I don't mind spoilers (though hide them of course) so convert me... :D (Hey, it worked with Nanoha, another gem I should really give a chance?)
Well I won't push it quite as hard as Nanoha, because I didn't like it nearly that much, but it's still a very good show. I can't speak for the OVA because I intentionally have been waiting until it's complete (almost there!) but the first teo seasons work really well.

It helps to like the setting of course. A prim and proper all girl's catholic school in Japan, albeit one full of fun characters. It's not nearly so stuffy as the setting might suggest. I guess you just have to have a fetish for somewhat slower moving shows that are about watching the characters just do their thing, rather than looking for some amazingly complex plot/backstory.

If melodrama turns you off then, yeah, it'd be hard to get into. But I just see it all as character and relationship development. It helps that I find almost all the characters (Yumi, Sei and Shimako in particular) to be awesometastically wondersumful. Yes, it's a show that has had huge appeal in the yuri/shoujo-ai community, but you by no means have to be into all that in order to get something out of Marimite. The story and character dynamics work perfectly well even if you have no stomach for that at all. I mean, Strawberry Panic type yuri this is not. There's nothing terribly explicit about it all.

I guess a better question is, what was it that turned you off initially? Was there something overtly bad about it, or did it just not grab you quite enough to get priority over other shows? If it's the latter, definitely try it again, especially since you can marathon seasons one and two. If it's the former, explain and we'll find some way to convince you to try it again anyway =P

[Spirit Of The Stage]

If it's the former, explain and we'll find some way to convince you to try it again anyway =P

It's weird because it was the slow pacing of the series that seemed to make me not interested, which is odd because I do like series that can draw you in even if it's not going 100 miles per hour (Kino's Journey, Lain and I absolutely adore the episodic girls doing their thing Aria) and I like melodrama, but just something (pun not intended... :sd: ) about the initial episodes didn't draw me to the characters or the pace.

Granted, this was a couple of years ago, and I probably would have more patience now, plus I'm finally caught up with my Anime Central backlog so I don't really have a major series I'm needing to watch aside of new eps of my fave series, but hasn't Geneon licenced this now? Otherwise I may still be interested this given I did quite enjoy Strawberry Panic (though that was more a guilty pleasure as I knew it's flaws but doses of Tamao and Chikaru helped nullify that) - I would just like to know a bit more of the series, and I will reassure that any big spoilers are fine if it gets me interested in the series. :)

[something]

Granted, this was a couple of years ago, and I probably would have more patience now, plus I'm finally caught up with my Anime Central backlog so I don't really have a major series I'm needing to watch aside of new eps of my fave series
Then you have time =D Watch!

but hasn't Geneon licenced this now?
No, not yet.

I would just like to know a bit more of the series, and I will reassure that any big spoilers are fine if it gets me interested in the series. :)
Not gonna spoil even if you ask =P Besides, it's not the kind of show where I can cite some massive twist that'll instantly pull you in. The first season hardly has a climax at all. I remember being so very confused when I finished it for the first time. I loved it, but I was wondering where the rest was :sd: but ~Haru~ picks up with where the first season left off, so there's pretty much no downtime or reintroduction.

I guess my advice is, grab the first season, find a free day, and just plow through it. Either you'll give up in frustration again after a few episodes, or be completely in love with it by the end. In case of the latter, have the second season ready =P

[Rhodes]

Well its a slice of life show.

have you ever seen the 1st 2 episodes of To Heart?

If you did and liked it... Maria-sama would be something you like. If not then this show would probably bore you to death.

I cant say I am a Yumi fan, but I am a Sachiko fan. Sei and Shimako is also pretty good. If you saw the 1st few episodes of the 1st season and didnt like the Sour system or the rest of the set-up or characters... then you wont like the rest of the show cause the show wont change much.

Didnt hurt that the cast is amazing.

And thou I am not a Yumi fan, it is amazing how the characters develop and how they treat and tend to one another as the story progresses. Yumi has grown quite a bit since the start of the show.

[Fencedude]

Its not licensed yet.

And there are no real "big" spoilers for Mari-mite, because nothing "big" ever really happens.

The first couple episodes can be hard to get through, because they just toss you into things (along with Yumi) and you kinda have to figure out whats going on as you go, but then it backs off and starts setting up the characters better.

Also, Sei.

Really, thats all that needs to be said.

[Teiresias]

For me, it's all about the melodrama: Every look has an unmatched depth of meaning [to such an extent that it's frequently satirized in other shows]; late arrivals = disasters; mis- understandings? End of the world.

Its amazing how much suffering can be caused by a smile (or a frown :( ) at exactly the wrong nano-second. It's so much fun to watch Yumi tie herself in knots! Oh by the way, I love Yumi to pieces (by way of a counter-weight).

If you asked anyone who really knew me whether I'd like this show or not, they'd all tell you: "No f'ing way!" For who knows what reason (it's inexplicable even to me), I absolutely love this show.

[Spirit Of The Stage]

Thanks for that guys - decided to give the first 13 eps a shot before going any further...I'll probably let you what I thoughts in one of the recommendations threads. (Begins scouring wikipedia for info on the show before plunging in...)

[something]

(Begins scouring wikipedia for info on the show before plunging in...)
Why would you do that before watching if you already decided to watch? :sd: Like others said, there are no HOLYSHITHUGE spoilers or anything, but why spoil anything at all if you don't have to?

[Spirit Of The Stage]

(Begins scouring wikipedia for info on the show before plunging in...)
Why would you do that before watching if you already decided to watch? :sd: Like others said, there are no HOLYSHITHUGE spoilers or anything, but why spoil anything at all if you don't have to?

Just for background on the show - as soon as I hit characters I STOPPED. I just needed to know a little bit more of the set-up and the setting. After tonight I will have finished my current series (Saint Tail) so I should be ready to (hopefully) enjoy this.

And now I'll shut up so the topic can go back to discussing the 4th season... :sd:

[something]

And now I'll shut up so the topic can go back to discussing the 4th season... :sd:
Heh, not like there's anything to discuss about it yet =P

[HitokiriShadow]

Just for background on the show - as soon as I hit characters I STOPPED.

Heh, I actually found that section useful when I started watching the show and was trying to figure out the character relationships, particularly the rosa families. The start talking about petite soeurs and the rosas and it was confusing in the beginning and wikipedia's character guide helped me keep track of that.

At a glance, it looks like MariMite's wiki page is pretty careful with anything very spoilerish. The only 'spoiler' I noticed at a glance was revealing Shimako's petite soeur, who doesn't appear until the second season, though its blatantly obvious that she'll become that as soon as she's introduced.

[Illusion]

You know, I first saw a few episodes of this series a while back and really couldn't get into it at all...yet all the hype here and the recommendations is slowly making me want to give the series another chance...

Any Marimite experts out there, can you give me the reasons (aside from the yuri innuendo) why I should give this series another chance? I don't mind spoilers (though hide them of course) so convert me... :D (Hey, it worked with Nanoha, another gem I should really give a chance?)

Ah, I haven't been online all weekend so am a bit late in replying, but I think most people have already said all the important stuffs. :)

Marimite is a heavily character-driven show, and its powerful appeal lies in the beautiful interaction between them. In other words, if you can't come to like the characters within the first few eps, you should probably stop.

While Marimite has gotten quite a significant male fanbase, its target audience is females, which makes its execution different from the dozens of shounen yuri titles like Strawberry Panic and Kannazuki no Miko. There's more focus on emotions and subtlety, as oppose to girl-on-girl fanservice. There is definitely something about Marimite that strikes a chord within females, as I love Marimite, but felt boredom with the latter mentioned titles and other male-orientated shoujo-ai/yuri shows.

(Actually, I'm a bit surprised at how many males like Marimite, as I would have thought most would have found it boring. I sincerely hope fantasizing about the characters getting it on is not the only reason you guys like it. :P)

There's definitely something about Marimite that just makes it incredibly special. The world in which they live in is rose-colored (no pun intended); everybody is genuinely a good person and there's no bitchiness or intentional malicious activity like commonly exhibited in other anime about all girls schools (e.g. Oniisama e...) or in other shoujo-ai anime like Utena. Everybody just wants to express their feelings honestly and embrace their youth. It's like the most perfect, ideal place to live. :)

[TheGreenMan]

You know, I first saw a few episodes of this series a while back and really couldn't get into it at all...yet all the hype here and the recommendations is slowly making me want to give the series another chance...

Any Marimite experts out there, can you give me the reasons (aside from the yuri innuendo) why I should give this series another chance? I don't mind spoilers (though hide them of course) so convert me... :D (Hey, it worked with Nanoha, another gem I should really give a chance?)

Ah, I haven't been online all weekend so am a bit late in replying, but I think most people have already said all the important stuffs. :)

Marimite is a heavily character-driven show, and its powerful appeal lies in the beautiful interaction between them. In other words, if you can't come to like the characters within the first few eps, you should probably stop.

While Marimite has gotten quite a significant male fanbase, its target audience is females, which makes its execution different from the dozens of shounen yuri titles like Strawberry Panic and Kannazuki no Miko. There's more focus on emotions and subtlety, as oppose to girl-on-girl fanservice. There is definitely something about Marimite that strikes a chord within females, as I love Marimite, but felt boredom with the latter mentioned titles and other male-orientated shoujo-ai/yuri shows.

(Actually, I'm a bit surprised at how many males like Marimite, as I would have thought most would have found it boring. I sincerely hope fantasizing about the characters getting it on is not the only reason you guys like it. :P)

There's definitely something about Marimite that just makes it incredibly special. The world in which they live in is rose-colored (no pun intended); everybody is genuinely a good person and there's no bitchiness or intentional malicious activity like commonly exhibited in other anime about all girls schools (e.g. Oniisama e...) or in other shoujo-ai anime like Utena. Everybody just wants to express their feelings honestly and embrace their youth. It's like the most perfect, ideal place to live. :)

Actually, some guys (like myself) like to see females being sweet and affectionate to each other and not just girl on girl fanservice.

[Illusion]

Actually, some guys (like myself) like to see females being sweet and affectionate to each other and not just girl on girl fanservice.

*looks at your avatar*

...Really? :P

[something]

Actually, some guys (like myself) like to see females being sweet and affectionate to each other and not just girl on girl fanservice.*looks at your avatar* ...Really? :P
They're sharing a sweet and affectionate kiss!

At any rate, while it would be hot as all hell to see Yumi and Sei (or any of a number of combinations) getting it on, if we watched the show for no reason other than expecting it to go Strawberry Panic on us, we would have dropped it along ago. People who are into something PURELY for it's faptasticalness aren't going to stick around long if it doesn't deliver.

Besides, that's what fanart is for...

We like Marimite because it's well animated. We like Marimite because it gets you very involved in the day-to-day trials and tribulations of the Yamayurikai and everyone else at Lillian. We like Marimite because it does melodrama right. We like Marimite because it is full of strong and interesting characters comprising a large and varied cast brimming with an insane cacophony of intertwined urges, beliefs, fears, aspirations, backgrounds, emotions and coping mechanisms.

Yes, sure, we also like Marimite because those cute girls clasp hands and stare into each others' eyes with such intense emotion it knocks you out of your seat.

But the bottom line is that we like Marimite because it's good. 'Nuff said.

[Spirit Of The Stage]

O.K, I've watched the first 5 eps so far..and going to watch the next 4 tonight...my impressions so far...

Thanks guys. :D Yep, I like it. It reminds me in a way when I first watched both Kino's Journey and Aria. They were slow to start but soon they drew me in, and the slice of life nature combined with the natural relationships of the soeurs make it a nice show to relax to.

No contest on my fave character so far, Sei. Her nature of glomping Yumi and peeing off Sachiko is always a highlight considering the mostly serious characters in the show, with Yumi herself being my second favourite (and a nice change of a lead character I genuinelly do like) - her expressions are already legendary... :) Just watched the Shizamu ep, definitely surprised of her characterisation but very pleasant. Sweet scene at the hospital as well.

If it continues like this, then I'll be getting on the 4th season bandwagon...so far so good...

[TheGreenMan]

Actually, some guys (like myself) like to see females being sweet and affectionate to each other and not just girl on girl fanservice.*looks at your avatar* ...Really? :P
They're sharing a sweet and affectionate kiss!

At any rate, while it would be hot as all hell to see Yumi and Sei (or any of a number of combinations) getting it on, if we watched the show for no reason other than expecting it to go Strawberry Panic on us, we would have dropped it along ago. People who are into something PURELY for it's faptasticalness aren't going to stick around long if it doesn't deliver.

Besides, that's what fanart is for...

We like Marimite because it's well animated. We like Marimite because it gets you very involved in the day-to-day trials and tribulations of the Yamayurikai and everyone else at Lillian. We like Marimite because it does melodrama right. We like Marimite because it is full of strong and interesting characters comprising a large and varied cast brimming with an insane cacophony of intertwined urges, beliefs, fears, aspirations, backgrounds, emotions and coping mechanisms.

Yes, sure, we also like Marimite because those cute girls clasp hands and stare into each others' eyes with such intense emotion it knocks you out of your seat.

But the bottom line is that we like Marimite because it's good. 'Nuff said.

I knew someone would point out my avatar. :> And they're not kissing. Meg is licking Angela. Then Meg hugs her. I took it from a raw page scan. I never said I didn't like girl on girl. :> :P To tell the truth, I don't care if there's sex in Tetra. Laby., Meg and Angela's devotion to each other makes it worthwhile. I like to see girls who really love one another--the bond makes the sex (if there's any) better. That applies to all couples.

Edit: Come to think of it, Shoujo Sect combines the two--the girls' have strong bonds, but also they have lots of sex. :blush:

[angelx03]

Edit: Come to think of it, Shoujo Sect combines the two--the girls' have strong bonds, but also they have lots of sex. :blush:

Shoujo Sect needs to be animated NOW! :angry:

[something]

No contest on my fave character so far, Sei. Her nature of glomping Yumi and peeing off Sachiko is always a highlight considering the mostly serious characters in the show, with Yumi herself being my second favourite (and a nice change of a lead character I genuinelly do like) - her expressions are already legendary... :)
Muaha, yea, indeed the two best characters. I'll never get enough of Yumi's faces. I'm also in love with Shimako.

Just watched the Shizamu ep, definitely surprised of her characterisation but very pleasant. Sweet scene at the hospital as well.
Yoshino is awesome as hell as well <3 Hell I think I just like almost all of them.

[masterpez]

I guess I'm the only hardcore Sachiko fan. Whenever I see people list their favorite girls, I hardly (if ever) see her name mentioned. I love the way she's developed over the course of the series, from being pretty strict & uptight, and gradually opening up due to Yumi's (and the other girls as well, but mainly Yumi) influence. And now with the OAV, it's pure joy to watch the relationship between the two. Sachiko shines so much in these recent episodes and I'm sure it'll only get better in this fourth season.

[something]

I guess I'm the only hardcore Sachiko fan. Whenever I see people list their favorite girls, I hardly (if ever) see her name mentioned. I love the way she's developed over the course of the series, from being pretty strict & uptight, and gradually opening up due to Yumi's (and the other girls as well, but mainly Yumi) influence.
Sachiko is best when she's getting flustered. Otherwise she can be a bit boring. Oh, I definitely like her when she's experiencing something new though, like with Yumi at the end of season one XD

[Nork22]

Shimako Toudou is love!
Mamiko Noto is love!
Shimako + Mamiko = GODLY! (next to Matsuri Shiho from sola)

[HitokiriShadow]

Nork speaks the truth, Shimako is love.

Yoshino is great as well and I love Yumi's various faces. While I don't dislike any of the characters, I agree with something that Sachiko is a bit on the boring side.

[vtr9kvictor]

Rock on!!!

[Illusion]

O.K, I've watched the first 5 eps so far..and going to watch the next 4 tonight...my impressions so far...

Thanks guys. :D Yep, I like it.


Good to hear to we've made another Marimite fan. :D The drama only gets better and more emotionally intense.

[Illusion]

Besides, that's what fanart is for...

And the hundreds of doujinshi... :sd:


We like Marimite because it's well animated. We like Marimite because it gets you very involved in the day-to-day trials and tribulations of the Yamayurikai and everyone else at Lillian. We like Marimite because it does melodrama right. We like Marimite because it is full of strong and interesting characters comprising a large and varied cast brimming with an insane cacophony of intertwined urges, beliefs, fears, aspirations, backgrounds, emotions and coping mechanisms.

Yes, sure, we also like Marimite because those cute girls clasp hands and stare into each others' eyes with such intense emotion it knocks you out of your seat.

But the bottom line is that we like Marimite because it's good. 'Nuff said.

Thanks for your well-thought out response. I couldn't agree more. :)

[Natsume_Maya]

(Actually, I'm a bit surprised at how many males like Marimite, as I would have thought most would have found it boring.

I think the secondary male audience for MariMite tends to be older than the primary female audience, if that's of any relevance.

It's like the most perfect, ideal place to live. :)

You mean a world without guys? :P

BTW, thanks for the reply about the novels animated to date. Years back it seemed to me that the anime series was catching up, but with the hiatus between seasons 2 and 3 the gap has widened.

We like Marimite because it's well animated.

Personally, I don't think the animation is good. The still art tends to be good, but actual movements are relatively poor IMO. There are rarely scenes where characters' whole bodies are shown moving, and when that is done, their movements are often wooden. To me, the character designs are good, but the animation is relatively poor.

No contest on my fave character so far, Sei.

I like Sei's oneesama for some reason.

[Fencedude]

I like Sei's oneesama for some reason.


For the very little we've seen of her, she was pottentially even more awesome than Sei herself.

[something]

Personally, I don't think the animation is good. The still art tends to be good, but actual movements are relatively poor IMO. There are rarely scenes where characters' whole bodies are shown moving, and when that is done, their movements are often wooden. To me, the character designs are good, but the animation is relatively poor.
I figured that wouldn't be a universal, but when I said 'animation' I basically just meant 'art' in general. Besides. there;s not much movement in the show in general, so I guess the actual fluidity of it never really became a factor for me.

[Teiresias]

You're not alone friend. The way I look at it: Anybody can like Sei, but it takes effort to like Sachiko--and that effort pays off in spades when she lights up. :D

We are a small, yet widely persecuted minority. But we are strong in our resolve to ensure that Sachiko will rule...! :D

[TalonG4]

If melodrama turns you off then, yeah, it'd be hard to get into. But I just see it all as character and relationship development. It helps that I find almost all the characters (Yumi, Sei and Shimako in particular) to be awesometastically wondersumful.

I planned to post some recommendation about this friday after work but I got distracted by the weekend. :sd:
I have been re-watching this show myself and I am starting to see new things in this show. I always liked Sei from the first moment I saw her and her personality in action. I always liked Yumi and Yoshino as well. Eventually, I grew to like Sachiko-sama as I got to know her more even though she is still the most boring human in existence. Upon re-watching, I surprisingly developed a fondness for Rei even though I never thought much of her before, and of course some the later characters...well, I won't spoil too much.

This show is meant to be seen through Yumi's eyes really, as she meets these people and gets to know them so do you. It's sad sometimes, full of hellos and goodbyes, much like life itself. I often have found myself identifying with a few of the characters(even though I'm a guy), especially Sei, as her outlook taught me a few things.

This is really one of my favorite shows and it might even be in my top five.

[Roujin0308]

Library-chan stated:
Edit: Come to think of it, Shoujo Sect combines the two--the girls' have strong bonds, but also they have lots of sex. :blush:

I have two volumes of Shoujo Sect; is there any more?

[something]

I often have found myself identifying with a few of the characters(even though I'm a guy)
I don't know how much I identify with them, but I do know I'll be identifying a whole lot more when I complete my secret plan to die and reincarnate as a hot lesbian schoolgirl in an all girls school in Japan, surrounded by other hot lesbian schoolgirls.

[Conri]

I'm sure most fans have already heard of this fantastic news alreadyI'm way behind as usual. In fact, this news is a kick in the butt because I need to catch up on watching the OVA. Though, at this point, I'll probably wait for #5 so I can marathon. Thanks much for the news; I can't wait to find out more.

I often have found myself identifying with a few of the characters(even though I'm a guy), especially Sei, as her outlook taught me a few things. That's not surprising... I identify with Sei as well, especially some of her struggles. So what if I didn't turn out to be a girl/lesbian? We're all human! :D

[Illusion]

A note that the Official site (http://www.gokigenyou.com/index2.htm) has now been updated with a cute image of Yumi and Touko, with text confirming that a 4th season has been decided. ^__^


I think the secondary male audience for MariMite tends to be older than the primary female audience, if that's of any relevance.

Actually, it seems that's the case for a lot of shoujo series. The proportion of a mid-20s/middle-aged men in a crowd at, say, a Sailor Moon event can be quite disturbing. :P


You mean a world without guys? :P

Hahaha, c'mon you know that's not what I meant. :sd: Anyway, there are guys in the Marimite world - don't forget the neighbouring Hanadera Gakuin. :)

BTW, thanks for the reply about the novels animated to date. Years back it seemed to me that the anime series was catching up, but with the hiatus between seasons 2 and 3 the gap has widened.

No problem.


I like Sei's oneesama for some reason.


A bit of seiyuu trivia which I've always loved: In the drama CDs, Eriko's Oneesama (Former Rosa Foetida) and Youko's Oneesama (Former Rosa Chinensis) make an appearance. Their seiyuu? Mitsuishi Kotono and Katsuki Masako, respectively. I personally could not pick two finer seiyuu to play the roles, but then I may be slightly biased. ;)

Incidentally, the seiyuu for Sei's Oneesama (Former Rosa Gigantea) is Takayama Minami, one-half of the electronic-pop band Two-Mix, and best known for her role as Conan Edogawa in Meitantei Conan.

[Illusion]

For those who have seen the 5th (and final) OVA, there is a screen at the end which states what we all now know already - 4th season confirmed. :)

To set it even further into concrete, at the end of the commentary track, Ueda Kana (Yumi's seiyuu) announces it and the other two seiyuu with her, Noto Mamiko (Shimako) and Ikezawa Haruna (Yoshino) express their joy and excitement at being able to reprise their roles.

As the for the 5th OVA itself, I think it's gotta be one of my favorite eps. ^^ So many sweet, cute scenes between the characters we've all come to love. Can't wait for more.

[masterpez]

ANN (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-12-10/maria-watches-over-us-4th-season-promo-movie-streamed) reporting that the 4th season starts next month. There's also link to a trailer there.

[GundamWingMan]

A fourth season of Marimite? Cool! Count me in! Can't wait!

[something]

ANN (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-12-10/maria-watches-over-us-4th-season-promo-movie-streamed) reporting that the 4th season starts next month. There's also link to a trailer there.
This has been known for awhile, but yay for trailers, even if I can't watch right now. This needs to get confirmed by Nozomi ASAP <3 Can't wait for more Marimite

[Draneor]

[Bu]t yay for trailers, even if I can't watch right now. This needs to get confirmed by Nozomi ASAP <3 Can't wait for more Marimite

I think the trailer is region locked (animate.tv). In any case, I ended up watching it elsewhere because I couldn't get it to work.

[Suwako Moriya]

ANN (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-12-10/maria-watches-over-us-4th-season-promo-movie-streamed) reporting that the 4th season starts next month. There's also link to a trailer there.

Based on the trailer, I can already say that I approve of the fourth season. Part of me wonders if I should re-watch season 3 before jumping into season 4. Ah well, I'll decide that later. In any case I hope certain things will happen in season 4. Assuming they ever do actually happen of course.

[something]

I think the trailer is region locked (animate.tv). In any case, I ended up watching it elsewhere because I couldn't get it to work.
Oh, I meant I couldn't watch it because I was late for work and had to run. =P Won't get to it until tonight probably...

Part of me wonders if I should re-watch season 3 before jumping into season 4.
I want to do so, if I can find the time. The second Nozomi set has arrived, so I want to watch those two and then the OVA right before 4th starts. Of course I also want to watch Otome/Zwei/Sifr now that Sifr 3 is available, and I don't know when I'll get time for that either...

[Buster Blader 126]

Quick Maria-sama question:

Is it OK to leave the 3rd season unfinished yet start the 4th season anyways? I never really did get around to finishing the 3rd season.

[Splitter]

Quick Maria-sama question:

Is it OK to leave the 3rd season unfinished yet start the 4th season anyways? I never really did get around to finishing the 3rd season.

I can't think of anything off the top of my head... but make sure you finish S3. It's the best one so far.

[Suwako Moriya]

Part of me wonders if I should re-watch season 3 before jumping into season 4.I want to do so, if I can find the time.

My issue is less finding the time to re-watch season 3. After all I did easily make time for season 1 and season 2. Both of which I watched on average a volume a day during each session. The challenge however is this. Can I hold off on watching season 4 long enough? Since the plan would be to watch the DVDs of season 3.

Actually truth be told sometimes I find when I'm pressed for time, it can be easier to make time for the re-watch than the first time watch. As strange as that may sound. I guess it depends also on how strong I feel about the show I'd be re-watching vs the first time watch.

Speaking of re-watching? Is it bad that I've had the trailer has the trailer "loop" for awhile? I'm not even sure I want to count how many times it's gone through already. For the record, yes, I plan to eventually stop the loop. So it's not like I'm going to spend an entire month looping a trailer that lasts 71 seconds.:P

[Nork22]

Quick Maria-sama question:

Is it OK to leave the 3rd season unfinished yet start the 4th season anyways? I never really did get around to finishing the 3rd season.
I suggest no considering one new major character pops up to shake Yumi's role a bit. Plus season 3 makes you like Touko, because she is going to play a bigger role in season 4 from the looks of the trailer. :)

[HitokiriShadow]

Quick Maria-sama question:

Is it OK to leave the 3rd season unfinished yet start the 4th season anyways? I never really did get around to finishing the 3rd season.

How far did you get? The third season did introduce a new character and deal with some issues regarding her, so you should probably at least watch that part (episodes 2 and 3, I think). I don't think anything particularly significant happened in the last two episodes though, so you'll probably be okay if you didn't get around to those parts.

[Fencedude]

I don't think anything particularly significant happened in the last two episodes though, so you'll probably be okay if you didn't get around to those parts.

Other than general awesomeness, of course.

[HitokiriShadow]

Other than general awesomeness, of course.

Yeah, other than that (and I even almost said just that in my previous post). But that awesomeness will be just as awesome later and isn't really necessary to see before seeing any future season. At least as far as I can tell based on what I recall.

[Ingraman]

[Bu]t yay for trailers, even if I can't watch right now. This needs to get confirmed by Nozomi ASAP <3 Can't wait for more Marimite

I think the trailer is region locked (animate.tv). In any case, I ended up watching it elsewhere because I couldn't get it to work.

It's great to get an additional confirmation about the approach of the series, even if it is region-locked.

I don't plan to search out the trailer, since there's zero reason to watch it (I like MariMite, so watching the show is a given, and I see no reason to spoiler myself as to what's coming up [well, I'm already seeing spoilers in this thread]). Maybe I'll ignore the rest of this thread, and just wait until a new thread for the episodes gets going...

It's been so long, and I'm really looking forward seeing more of their lives...

[something]

Is it OK to leave the 3rd season unfinished yet start the 4th season anyways? I never really did get around to finishing the 3rd season.
No, that would be a very bad idea.

[Suwako Moriya]

Is it OK to leave the 3rd season unfinished yet start the 4th season anyways? I never really did get around to finishing the 3rd season.

It's been awhile since I saw the third season, but to be honest I follow the general rule it's better to finish the "previous" before going to the "next". Since after all anything that happens in season 4 may use what's already happened in past seasons as a basis. So it's better to get the full story. Well in terms of what they're willing to give you.

[angelx03]

While I haven't seen any of the first 3 seasons, I did check out the OP and ED sequences. Both uses surprisingly upbeat, J-pop music (no Pastel Pure for you, bwahahaha! :sdsmiley:) though I have one word for the OP: Portal! :laugh:

The ED consists your usual suggestive yuri poses. (http://img167.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1230956103894bp1.jpg) :sweat:

[something]

The ED consists your usual suggestive yuri poses. (http://img167.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1230956103894bp1.jpg) :sweat:
Oh, that gets a stamp of approval so hard the table broke.

[Spirit Of The Stage]

The ED consists your usual suggestive yuri poses. (http://img167.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1230956103894bp1.jpg) :sweat:
Oh, that gets a stamp of approval so hard the table broke.

Indeed - that Noriko/Shimako one was SOOOO SEDUCTIVE...I lost a pint of blood I think...

[Suwako Moriya]

The ED consists your usual suggestive yuri poses. (http://img167.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1230956103894bp1.jpg) :sweat:

I haven't actually watched the episode yet and I approve of the ending already.

[Chuplayer]

The ED consists your usual suggestive yuri poses. (http://img167.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1230956103894bp1.jpg) :sweat:
Oh, that gets a stamp of approval so hard the table broke.

That gets my stamp of approval so hard it broke the table.

[GundamWingMan]

The ED consists your usual suggestive yuri poses. (http://img167.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1230956103894bp1.jpg) :sweat:
Oh, that gets a stamp of approval so hard the table broke.

Okay, I get Yoshino and Rei and Shimako and Noriko....but Yumi and Toko??? Huh? Having just finished season two, I'd never figure those two for a couple!

[Spirit Of The Stage]

The ED consists your usual suggestive yuri poses. (http://img167.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1230956103894bp1.jpg) :sweat:
Oh, that gets a stamp of approval so hard the table broke.

Okay, I get Yoshino and Rei and Shimako and Noriko....but Yumi and Toko??? Huh? Having just finished season two, I'd never figure those two for a couple!

All the more reason to watch Season 3 first then...:P

[GundamWingMan]

The ED consists your usual suggestive yuri poses. (http://img167.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1230956103894bp1.jpg) :sweat:
Oh, that gets a stamp of approval so hard the table broke.

Okay, I get Yoshino and Rei and Shimako and Noriko....but Yumi and Toko??? Huh? Having just finished season two, I'd never figure those two for a couple!

All the more reason to watch Season 3 first then...:P

Heh! Well, as fate would have it, I've recently ordered season 3! I'm already itching to get my hands on it as MariMite has become one of my top favorite series.