Clannad discussion thread [Archive]

something

10-05-2007, 03:22 PM

Episode 1:

- Oh, right, we get this stupid initial airing is 4:3 crap, I forgot. Blah encode too.
- God yes, KyoAni hits all the right notes immediately. The dull washed out colors, the lead's Yomoya's depressing monologue... then a strange girl (Nagisa), talking to herself. He tells her that if she doesn't want things to change but knows they will anyway, she just needs to find the next good thing. The next fun thing. To move forward. She looks at him, and color flashes onto the screen. More, and more, and then everything is bathed in full, vibrant color, and oh shit yeah.
- Good OP too! I love the scene of the girl running through the field. And fantastic designs, of course.
- Some craziness at the dorm in the morning, with one of the guys being tossed around by the rugby team (they're pissed his alarm is so loud in the morning), but sexy Misae, the dorm mom, comes and chases them away.
- Hrm, sudden monologue from a voice, a voice that says he exists in a world that has ended. Nobody is around - except a young girl, whose name and history he does not know. She seems to live alone in this ruined world, unaware of his presence.
- Tomoya is late for school - but it seems to happen every day. Fujibayashi Ryou, the class rep, timidly suggests it's better to be on time, but Tomoya is somewhat of a bastard to her. Seems like he doesn't really mean to be a jerk though, and they seem to get along in a weird way. But Ryou's sister, Kyou, the scaaaaaary one thinks he's making fun of her and nearly decapitates him with a dictionary :sd:
- So Tomoya overhears talk of a "ghost" of a girl who died in a traffic accident. Then he meets (again) with Nagisa, a mysterious girl who says she loves the school and how there *used to* be teachers and students she got along with. But she missed a lot of school last year, and things have changed. Gasp, there might be a connection! =P
- Their talk is intrrupted by some commotion at the field. Some punks on motorcycles are driving around causing a fuss, and then out steps Sakagami Tomoyo, alone to confront them.
- Begin second half.
- Tomoya decides to step out and back her up, when some girls say there's no need, Tomoyo can more than take care of herself.
- Ahaha, spectator's view! Yeah, they weren't kidding. Tomoyo... wrecks their asses.
- Afterwards, Nagisa and Tomoya part, after exchanging names.
- And Tomoya's friend is a blithering idiot. He.... he challenges Tomoyo, saying she set up the incident on the field. Even suggests she performed... favors... to do it. He is in for much pain.
- Haha, pain indeed. Retard XD I love how Tomoya just stands back and watches.
- After school, Tomoya heads up to the drama club room to see if Nagisa took his suggestion and introduced herself. Impressively, she did. She steels herself, opens the door and... and Tomoya forgot that the drama club has disbanded the previous year. Aww, poor Nagisa.
- Tomoya suggest all isn't lost. If there's no club... well, make one! It worked for Haruhi, Nagisa can do it too! ...Well maybe. He offers to help, and asks why he's being so nice. He just shrugs.
- She tells him she lives at the bread shop near the park, and asks him to stop by some time. That night, on a whim, he does so.
- And her mom is HOT. More KeyAni MILFs!! Tomoya insults her bread though, and she starts crying o_O
- Haha oh wow. Nagisa's mom runs off crying, and Nagisa's dad threatens Tomoya with a baseball bat :sd: But once he finds out Tomoya is Nagisas friend, all is well in the world =P
- Ginga-san! XD Nagisa's parents are awesome. Tomoya Eternal!
- Quite a bit different from his own home, where his mother is dead and his father is a drunk, gambling jobless slob.

He runs back outside, sick of dealing with it. He finds himself at Nagisa's house again... and there she is, standing under a streetlamp, asking him if he wants her to take him away from it all...

As predictably gorgeous and awesome as one would expect from KyoAni. Awesome first impression!

Splitter

10-05-2007, 03:43 PM

You did that just so you could claim the first post, didn't you :P

Reposting my thoughts...

- I love the way they started up, traversing between sepia tones and full color when Tomoya met Nagisa. Bravo KyoAni. Glad to see you back in your natural form after the 24-weeks of SD 4koma.
- Sunohara's great. I hope his physical torture is a weekly thing ^^
- <3 <3 <3 Kyou. I sense a Kaori/Shiori thing between them. Should be fun to see things pan out.
- Anyone else getting a Sixth Sense vibe from Nagisa?
- TOMOYO-SAN!!! HOLY SNAP!!!
- Nagisa's family is pure win. And finally! A Key father who doesn't make you want to punch bunnies! Still can't believe Sanae is more moe than her daughter. Oh I'm glad this is taking a Nagisa direction. Her parents were the best part of the episode!
- Wow... poor Tomoya. This is also a relatively new Key development in that the lead has his own problems not related to the girls.

I'm looking forward to seeing how this is all going to pan out! *welcomes Clannad to the fall lineup proudly*

Suwako Moriya

10-05-2007, 04:23 PM

You did that just so you could claim the first post, didn't you :P

We're just going to have to live with the fact that something is power mad. In all seriousness my view remains the same. I still need to re-watch the first episode, but there is definite potential in this series. It's very pretty, the girls are lovely, and it's just getting started.

something

10-05-2007, 04:42 PM

You did that just so you could claim the first post, didn't you :P
No, I did it so people would keep subthreads straight and post under the proper headings, but you posted to root without a fixed subject line anyway >_> I put the little request about keeping posting nice and neat in my initial post too... Oh well. And I started a new thread because, as I said, theres like 90 posts in the other one before the episode even aired, and this is going to fill up pretty quickly.

If in future weeks you (or anyone else!) are the first to watch and there is no existing subthread for the new episode, please make sure you respond to root (not to another existing post about another ep) with a changed subject line. I can't force you or anything, but it really does help, and I do genuinely appreciate when people take the extra three seconds to do so. Thanks in advance~

aquastar831

10-05-2007, 04:50 PM

Reposting some of my thoughts from the previous thread:

It's great that there are a lot of well known VAs in this series including Mai Nakahara, Akemi Kanda, Atsuko Enomoto, Mamiko Noto, and many more.

Watched ep 1 and definitely a great start for the series. We got a nice introduction to a lot of main and minor characters in the series.

Tomoyo's entrance was awesome. Was already my pick of the girls before the series even started. Her rapid kick made me think of Mai Kawasumi's sparring with Yuuichi in Kanon 2006. And the amusing part was both the Spectator's view and Sunohara's attempt to land even a hit on her.

Heh. Nagisa's mom looks like Misuzu from AIR in that crying pic. Key loves their MILFs.
Every Key anime adaptation has to have at least one killer MILF/VA combo. This may be the best one to date.

During the bakery shop scene, I kept thinking Belldandy since Kikuko Inoue is voicing Nagisa's mom and she speaks in a very similar mannerism as her. And I definitely agree with Ty and Library-chan. Such a great combination for the character and VA.

Nagisa - reminds me a lot of Misuzu Kamio from AIR with her situation and personality. Gradually learning about her as I'm playing the PC game.

Kyou - note: never piss off someone who can wing a book at you with lightning speed. Very aggressive and forward and really does act the big sister type not only to Ryou, but sort of to Tomoya in a way.

something

10-05-2007, 05:13 PM

It's great that there are a lot of well known VAs in this series including Mai Nakahara, Akemi Kanda, Atsuko Enomoto, Mamiko Noto, and many more.
Nahakara Mai in particular seems to have a really good handle on her Nagisa role. She's got that really appropriate sense of distance and unsureness in her voice. It'll be good to see how she handles some of the more upbeat scenes, if Nagisa gets any.

Tomoyo's entrance was awesome. Was already my pick of the girls before the series even started. Her rapid kick made me think of Mai Kawasumi's sparring with Yuuichi in Kanon 2006. And the amusing part was both the Spectator's view and Sunohara's attempt to land even a hit on her.
"Spectator's view" was totally what I'm talking about when I rant about the KyoAni touch. The scene was incredible in and of itself, and then they just took it ahead put the perfect finishing touch on it. Especially with how much more quickly it played out XD

Nagisa - reminds me a lot of Misuzu Kamio from AIR with her situation and personality. Gradually learning about her as I'm playing the PC game.
Hmm, she'd definitely sort of in that role if anything, but I get the feeling she'll play out rather differently. Haven't played the game yet though so I can only guess.

something

10-05-2007, 05:21 PM

Oh god I just realized I totally didn't mention the ED...

What the HELL is that? XD Is that... actually in the game in some way? It's, uh, not at all what I was expecting them to come up with for Clannad... :sd:

Think we'll see a second ed at the halfway point? I hope so >_> It's actually... an oddly nice song, but yeaaaaah, kinda hoping for something different eventually.

Westlo

10-05-2007, 05:40 PM

I've heard if you've played the game the ED makes sense so I guess after watching quite a bit of Clannad we'll "get it".

The actual music for the ED is the Nagisa theme which is just beautiful.

StudioZEL

10-05-2007, 05:43 PM

I couldn't find this anywhere, so if it's already been mentioned elsewhere I apologize. Has there been ANY announcement as to how many episodes Clannad will be? Are we looking at Air (13) or Kanon 2K6 (24)?

Fencedude

10-05-2007, 05:47 PM

Westlo

10-05-2007, 05:47 PM

There's a post on that Forum who must not be named that shows 8 clannad dvds with 3 eps per disc.

So 24 at this point of time, info is suppose to be on the website.

Edit - I actually looked

http://www.tbs.co.jp/clannad/01news/news.html#014

So the features of both versions are:

* 3 episodes a volume
* Total running time: 72 minutes
* Technical: 16:9; Colour; Stereo Linear PCM
* Cost: Limited - ¥7,600; Regular - ¥5,960

Additional features on the limited edition are:

* Audio commentary by staff
* Cast and Crew interviews
* Collector's booklet
* Special packaging
* Special disc prints(?)
* Extras (cards, etc.)

Fencedude

10-05-2007, 05:49 PM

<3 <3 <3

Tomoyo's amazing. I'm in love.

Kyou was also cool, I liked her "oh ho" attitude when the subject of a romantica meeting with a girl came up.

And, surprisingly, I REALLY like Nagisa. She's not the archetype I usually like, but she's really great, and works well with Tomoya.

something

10-05-2007, 05:57 PM

I've heard if you've played the game the ED makes sense so I guess after watching quite a bit of Clannad we'll "get it".
I know Nagisa is a bread fiend and stuff, but man, it's still bizarre. XD I'm assuming there's more in the lyrics and visuals that can act as a metaphor for the story and all that good stuff, of course, but I didn't watch it really closely :sd:

something

10-05-2007, 06:01 PM

So 24 at this point of time, info is suppose to be on the website.
Sweet. I realized I had sort of assumed 24+ without anything to back myself up... I'm glad I didn't set myself up for a disappointment. :sd:

Fudce

10-05-2007, 06:01 PM

reposting what I said already in the other post:

Just watched episode one, and I have to saw I stand in awe at the way that time and time again they can produce anime like this.
At one point early in the episode I think that they surpassed even their own usual high standards with this (http://www.fudce.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/jawdrop.jpg) landscape.
I am really looking forward for more of this now.

something

10-05-2007, 06:03 PM

[quote=Fencedude\And, surprisingly, I REALLY like Nagisa. She's not the archetype I usually like, but she's really great, and works well with Tomoya.[/quote]
Woah, you like Nagisa? That's a pleasant surprise. I figure she'll get to play the role of "polarizing female lead" for people (like Misuzu and Ayu before her), and the usual complaints about Key women will fall on her shoulders. But if you like her, maybe others not disposed to look favorably on that kind of character will also like her.

something

10-05-2007, 06:05 PM

At one point early in the episode I think that they surpassed even their own usual high standards with this (http://www.fudce.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/jawdrop.jpg) landscape.
Yeah seriously, what was that? I thought they slipped in a real photograph for a second, it looked so damn beautiful.

Fencedude

10-05-2007, 06:07 PM

And, surprisingly, I REALLY like Nagisa. She's not the archetype I usually like, but she's really great, and works well with Tomoya.
Woah, you like Nagisa? That's a pleasant surprise. I figure she'll get to play the role of "polarizing female lead" for people (like Misuzu and Ayu before her), and the usual complaints about Key women will fall on her shoulders. But if you like her, maybe others not disposed to look favorably on that kind of character will also like her.

I think its more that right off Tomoya doesn't really have great chemistry with any of the other girls. I really have trouble seeing him getting together with say...Tomoyo. Not saying that such a pairing won't become more obvious later, but from right now, he and Nagisa just work really well together.

(sorta like how while I think Tamanee is the most amazing girl ever in the history of everything, I think the main character of ToHeart2 should get together with Manaka)

TheGreenMan

10-05-2007, 07:53 PM

Heh, I noticed that the VA for Tomoya is named Yuuichi. :D

lorddream

10-05-2007, 08:07 PM

lorddream

10-05-2007, 08:16 PM

-- Tomoya is late for school - but it seems to happen every day. Fujibayashi Ryou, the class rep, timidly suggests it's better to be on time, but Tomoya is somewhat of a bastard to her. Seems like he doesn't really mean to be a jerk though, and they seem to get along in a weird way. But Ryou's sister, Kyou, the scaaaaaary one thinks he's making fun of her and nearly decapitates him with a dictionary :sd:

I loved this scene. Ryou was so cute trying to do her job as class rep, even though it doesn't seem to suit her personality. I loved the fortune-telling part of the scene, too - especially where she dropped the cards, but just proceeded to read Tomoya's fortune from the way the cards landed.

Kyou was cute, too -- in a scary, over-protective, over-the-top sort of way. :sd: :neko:

- Their talk is intrrupted by some commotion at the field. Some punks on motorcycles are driving around causing a fuss, and then out steps Sakagami Tomoyo, alone to confront them.
- Begin second half.
- Tomoya decides to step out and back her up, when some girls say there's no need, Tomoyo can more than take care of herself.
- Ahaha, spectator's view! Yeah, they weren't kidding. Tomoyo... wrecks their asses.

Best character introduction scene ever. :neko:

- Haha oh wow. Nagisa's mom runs off crying, and Nagisa's dad threatens Tomoya with a baseball bat :sd: But once he finds out Tomoya is Nagisas friend, all is well in the world =P
- Ginga-san! XD Nagisa's parents are awesome. Tomoya Eternal!

Nagisa's dad is just great. I was laughing so hard through that part. :D

Tomoya Eternal :D

something

10-05-2007, 08:20 PM

I loved this scene. Ryou was so cute trying to do her job as class rep, even though it doesn't seem to suit her personality. I loved the fortune-telling part of the scene, too - especially where she dropped the cards, but just proceeded to read Tomoya's fortune from the way the cards landed.
I'm a long way from deciding on my favorite girl, but Ryou has a damn good chance of getting up there. I predict she'll be shunted into the background through most of the series though. Just a hunch based on no proof ::shrugs::

And no, people who played the game, I totally do NOT want to know if I'm wrong or right, on this or anything else I or anyone else speculate about :sd:

Fencedude

10-05-2007, 08:22 PM

I'm a long way from deciding on my favorite girl, but Ryou has a damn good chance of getting up there. I predict she'll be shunted into the background through most of the series though. Just a hunch based on no proof ::shrugs::

How about the fact that her name isn't listd in the OP?

Though Kyou's is. And Kyou looks awesome.

HitokiriShadow

10-05-2007, 08:43 PM

Yet another great first episode courtesy of Kyoto Animation. At first I thought I was dealing with a shitty encode, but no, that was KyoAni's touch.

It's far too early to pick a favorite, but I like all of the girl's so far. Kyou and Tomoyo are the front contenders at the moment, but Mamiko Noto's character hasn't shown up yet. Still, I like all of them and Nagisa looks like a solid lead girl with a good chemistry with the male lead. And I love Mai Nakahara's voicework for her, she's great.

As for the lead, well, he's pretty good so far. Like the girls, its still to early to really judge, but he looks like he'll be a solid lead character.

Overall, its just a solid production as I've come to expect from Kyoto Animation.

Oh god I just realized I totally didn't mention the ED...

What the HELL is that? XD Is that... actually in the game in some way? It's, uh, not at all what I was expecting them to come up with for Clannad... :sd:

Eh, its there. It's kind of nice, though a bit odd, but nothing special.

And yes, it is in the game.

Think we'll see a second ed at the halfway point? I hope so >_> It's actually... an oddly nice song, but yeaaaaah, kinda hoping for something different eventually.

I'm not expecting a new ED at any point. On the positive side, it shouldn't be a jarring change if/when the show hits more solemn parts.

chrono1975

10-05-2007, 09:11 PM

Kyoto Animation outdid themselves on this one, I watched the begining about 20 times and still get goose bumps from the way the put it together.
I have high hopes for this show. and the key composers are just amazing as usual.

Love Ryou and the way she kept going with the fortune telling, and Kyou is so cute <3!

Senna

10-05-2007, 09:19 PM

I'm a bit of an oddball I'll admit, but I really adored the ending song.

Also, did anyone else get a "Petite Princess Yucie" flashback when Nagisa's mom said, "Eternal"? Kikuko Inoue also plays Queen Ercell, and I half expected her to say, "... tiara" afterwards :roll:

Jumbo

10-06-2007, 12:31 AM

aquastar831

10-06-2007, 01:44 AM

Oh god I just realized I totally didn't mention the ED...

What the HELL is that? XD Is that... actually in the game in some way? It's, uh, not at all what I was expecting them to come up with for Clannad... :sd:

Kinda mentioned this over in the other thread, check this post (http://www.animeondvd.com/forum/showpost.php?post/543484/) for more background on the ED.

While I enjoyed the first ep. I'm thinking I can hold off on waiting for the non 4:3 version myself.

I'm just glad they didn't try to introduce ~everyone~ in this episode. ^^; The "Owatte shimatta sekai/World that has come to its end" segment felt kinda forced, that or it felt like it was thrown in at the wrong moment.

Other than than those minor complaints, its looking like another good Kyoani Key game adaptation.

And speaking of Nagisa's Mom and her crazy bread, seems another one of her "inventions" has hit the promotional goods side of things.

CLANNAD "Canned" Bread: Link to can pics (http://blogs.dion.ne.jp/sanae/archives/6266315.html)

Links to some shots of the canned bread itself: Bread in a can (http://blogs.dion.ne.jp/sanae/archives/6268382.html)

I'm not sure what to think of that. Then again, we have different bread dough in vacuum cylinders sold in grocery stores here.

Because of Nagisa's mom's quirk of coming up with crazy concoctions for bread:

I would be very amused if one of the fillings/bread types referenced Akiko from Kanon and her "special jam"

The ED is cute and different than what I was expecting, though it fits the "family" theme well. I am wondering myself if they are going to do 24/26 episodes or may possibly go more than that. A possible problem that someone mentioned to me is how they'll approach each of the girls' paths, since it's not as easy as it was in Kanon or AIR to go linearly to cover each of the main girls' stories. Plus, for those of you that have played the PC game will know the reason why too.

stfram

10-06-2007, 04:15 AM

It's defintely bizarre, but I found myself liking it. The song seems pretty catchy if you ask me. :neko:

Catchy enough that I cannot get it out of my head!

Jadawin

10-06-2007, 11:52 AM

While I enjoyed the first ep. I'm thinking I can hold off on waiting for the non 4:3 version myself.

Yeah, I'll try to do the same, although I don't know if we'll have to wait 1 (MBS?) or 3 weeks (BS-i) for the 16:9 version. There are several scenes where you only see half of the heads of some characters, due to the 4:3 format. Of course it'll be difficult to resist watching the following 4:3 eps, after having seen eps. in 16:9, if there are cliffhangers.

I'm just glad they didn't try to introduce ~everyone~ in this episode. ^^; The "Owatte shimatta sekai/World that has come to its end" segment felt kinda forced, that or it felt like it was thrown in at the wrong moment.

Other than than those minor complaints, its looking like another good Kyoani Key game adaptation.

Well, I think, that the transition between 2-3 scenes wasn't perfect, though I don't know if they left anything out of the game, but other than that the episode was fine.

Oh, and I'll admit it. I don't like the ED. I'd have prefered actual character designs to portray the family idea behind the game.

The beginning of the OP is calmer than the game OP. You could amost think that the game OP is the remix and not the original, when comparing both.

I am really wondering what that thing is, which we see at the beginning of the OP, sitting in the snow. Oh, and did someone else notice the Gainax bounce in the OP? Kyou. :virgin:

relentlessflame

10-06-2007, 12:03 PM

Jadawin

10-06-2007, 12:05 PM

Yeah, I'll try to do the same, although I don't know if we'll have to wait 1 (MBS?) or 3 weeks (BS-i) for the 16:9 version.
All the TBS network over-the-air stations (TBS, CBC, MBS) are unfortunately going to air the pan & scan. Think of the 16:9 as bait to get people to pay for a BS-i subscription. :sd:

Ah, damn it. But wouldn't their strategy be more effective if they broadcasted it in the same week, instead of waiting 3 weeks? :(

beatmania

10-06-2007, 12:15 PM

I watched the movie version in Japan and this is way better than that. Great first episode. I'm surprised.

I love Clannad even more than AIR, this is going to be great.

Westlo

10-06-2007, 12:57 PM

Okay I finally managed to watch the first episode of Clannad and here's my impressions. First off I love how it started out with the color changes and the build up of the Nagisa theme, just beautiful and I need too see this on DVD.

Love the OP and I'm glad they went with the remix since I prefer it slightly over the original version of the song. The sisters Ryou and Kyou seem to be pretty cool and I'm looking forward to seeing more of them.

Nagisa and Tomoya seem to have pretty good chemistry together and I enjoyed the talk but the event after that was just wow. A bucnh of hoons arrive and Tomoyo just steps up to the plate and knocks them out, she is my new anime goddess!

Lmao @ Sunohara challenging Tomoyo after implying the fight was fixed. He was lucky to get away with just that lol. <3 Houko Kuwashima in this role!

Poor Ryou-chan looks like she's crushed to see Tomoya with Nagisa :( That crying scene with Sanae was animated very nicely and Nagisa's dad seems like a blast. lmao @ Tomoya being renamed by Nagisa's parents, Galaxy-san and Eternal ftw.

Looks like Tomoya has some pretty hefty problems of his own to deal with and to finish up I need to see the next ep NOW, f that need dvds NOW!

I liked the usage of the OST throughout the show too but I kinda wish I didn't listen to it before. The Nagisa theme is made of win and even though it's used twice in the show and for the ED they will never overkill it for me! The VA's were impressive as well and it's a great cast.

Overall I have to say the first episode of Clannad was very impressive and I liked it more than the first episodes of Air and Kanon. This looks like a series I'll enjoy following and hopefully it can keep it up.

something

10-06-2007, 01:50 PM

Overall I have to say the first episode of Clannad was very impressive and I liked it more than the first episodes of Air and Kanon. This looks like a series I'll enjoy following and hopefully it can keep it up.
I don't know how I'd compare it to those yet, but if KyoAni puts out something better than (or almost as good as) Kanon, my Top 10 is going to get really crowded :sd:

I already had to add two 2007 shows to it, a third would leave me stuck trying to find ways to rewrite the rules of mathematics and explain why 10 should = 15 =P

Either way, Clannad definitely seems like it'll be a lot closer to Kanon than Air in terms of the type of show it is. Kanon and Air are quite different in feel, and I think Clannad ought to develop its own niche as well. For whatever reason I get the feeling it'll be a bit more active and lively (adjectives meaning simply that, not trying to say this would make it better or worse), though that could just be Kyou and Tomoyo's entrances influencing me :sd:

Westlo

10-06-2007, 08:04 PM

With characters like Tomoyo, Kyou, Sunohara and Nagisa's father I'm pretty sure this will be a lot more lively than the other Key conversions by KyoAni.

And yeah 07 has been a great year for anime, I think my top ten tv series list will be completely reshaped after I finish with every 07 series worth watching.

EmperorBrandon

10-12-2007, 01:10 PM

Nahakara Mai in particular seems to have a really good handle on her Nagisa role. She's got that really appropriate sense of distance and unsureness in her voice. It'll be good to see how she handles some of the more upbeat scenes, if Nagisa gets any.

Ahh... I just love her voice, soooo cute here. I think the first few roles I heard from her tended to be in the "cuter" range (and became a favorite of that type pretty early), and that's what I knew her for, but since I've found she has a great variety of roles, like the energetic tsundere Prier (taking the brattiness to the extreme, May Wong) and icy Aono Morimiya. I've watched two eps. of Clannad so far, and definitely looking forward to hearing more of her. Of course, the voice cast seems to be great as a whole too. There's a fun Ryo Hirohashi role here as well (some nice moments with Kyou in ep. 2), which is nice. :D

Buster Blader 126

10-12-2007, 04:16 PM

I watched episode 1 on Tuesday, and as I've said on another thread, I'm really enjoying what I've seen so far.

First, I have to say that the Opening looked pretty amazing, especially the 0:27-0:40 mark of the OP. Damn, those 13 seconds looked so beautiful.

So, we're first introduced to Nagisa. Poor girl, she's all alone now, but I'm sure Tomoya will help change that. She's more on the adorable side IMO, though if she wasn't the first girl introduced (the first scene comes into mind), I wouldn't have thought that she'd be the "main heroine", or so they say. It looks like she'll be the chosen one in the end, but we'll know in due time.

I liked how Tomoyo and Kyo were introduced. Both introductions were pretty comical, especially Tomoyo's intro. *pictures the "Spectator's View" moment XD* Out of the three main girls that've been introduced so far (too bad Ryo be a main character; I actually like her the most so far :blush: ), I have no clear favourite at the moment. It makes me wonder how Fuko and Kotomi will be introduced. I won't be wondering for too long, though. *looks at BT client*

The scene that addressed Tomoya's issues at home was a surprise. That was something that I didn't expect to see so early in the series. It's interesting to see that our hero has his own issues, as well.

And that last scene - wow. It looked really amazing. :)

Great first episode so far, IMO. This one's definitely going to be a keeper for the next six months. :D Episode 2's out, so I hope I'll get around to that this weekend.

Fencedude

10-12-2007, 06:12 PM

What, no episode 2 subthread yet?

Great stuff in this episode. We meet the two remaining main girls (who's names escape me, don't feel like checking) and get a bit more of everyone else.

Two things jumped out at me though...

528 COMBO!

"ATTENTION EVERYONE! FUJIBAYASHI KYOU IS BI!"

Suwako Moriya

10-12-2007, 06:49 PM

The 528 combo can only mean one thing. Tomoyo Sakagami is a relative of Chun-li. Ah yes the two new girls. Kotomi Ichinose who's hair I've decided to love. Must be the accessories. Fuko Ibuki who is giving me slight Ayu vibes for some reason. Maybe it's the sound of her voice.

In any case a nice episode over all and it looks like the introductory arc will be rather nice. Which is good because a good introductory arc is needed for me to care during the characters arcs.

mk2000

10-12-2007, 08:01 PM

I haven't really read any of the posts to avoid spoilers but I have to say I'm enjoying both episodes quite well. The atmosphere is pretty incredible (on par or above that of Air).

My two favorite girls are definitely Nagisa and Ryou:

Nagisa has that same loneliness and pitiful cuteness of Misuzu (although a bit more outwardly melancholy).

Ryou's introverted mannerisms and clumsiness are endearing and her speech pattern is funny to me (I'm surprised at Akemi Kanda's voice range).

something

10-12-2007, 10:21 PM

From ef to Clannad. What a glorious season for bishoujo game anime.

Episode 2:

- Kyou is a bad driver. Youhei is a horrible judge of strength. Tomoyo is awesome. 500+ hit combo! Air juggling! Dust chute.
- More talk about the ghost girl. And she's showing up in school...
- Enter Ichinose Kotomi! Sitting on the library floor, barefoot, skipping class, eating lunch, reading advanced physics books and taking scissors to one of them... I like her.
- Good lord. Kyou is bi! He just yells it out to the whole class after she threatens him not to tell people she commutes to school by (motor)bike. I see Youhei isn't the only one with a death wish. Ryou's reaction is easily the best part.
- Nagisa <3 Tomoya gets her to draw up a flier for the drama club she'd be starting, and what does she put on it? Dango of course!
- I think Fuuko's starfish carving might just be one of the 10 moe-est things ever. And she's totally Nonaka Ai... Mikan-chan!! And she just just half-uguu'd
- Dribble, shooooot! I made it! ...Fuuko perhaps just became my favorite character in the show.
- Yohei really likes to say unnecessary things, doesn't he? I thought Tomoya was going to deck him straight to Mongolia.
- Things... are creepy at home. There's much more going on than "just" his dad being a drunk (yeah that's not exactly a picnic in itself), given the way Tomoya recoils in utter terror and disgust when his dad goes anywhere near him.
- Nagisa and Tomoya truly do work wonderfully together. We also find out he enrolled for basketball, but quit soon after. And then... Nagisa asks if he wants to play with her. She... she's athletic!? XD Oh man that will be awesome.

How do they do it, over and over and over? It rains, and Tomoya figures Nagisa can't be waiting, right? Right? But...
She's there, waiting for him. After all the times he's helped her out, she wants to help him. He likes basketball, so she wanted to play with him. Rain disrupts that but she asks to see him shoot once, just to see what a real player's shot looks like.
He pumps his arms down then up, but the ball goes nowhere. He can't lift his arm because of a fight he got in with his father some time before. He can never play basketball again. Ouch.
Nagisa feels horrible for inadvertently dredging up these memories, and coupled with the rain she's been standing in, it causes her to collapse.

Their every interaction, second by second, word by word, has been perfect so far. Just perfect.

And I also absolutely love the ED now, on only the second hearing. I love absolutely everything about Clannad. Everything. Even Youhei, because he provoked Tomoyo into action.

something

10-12-2007, 10:22 PM

The 528 combo can only mean one thing. Tomoyo Sakagami is a relative of Chun-li.
Seriously, I will not be satisfied until she busts out a SPINNING BIRD KICK.

Suwako Moriya

10-12-2007, 10:26 PM

The 528 combo can only mean one thing. Tomoyo Sakagami is a relative of Chun-li.
Seriously, I will not be satisfied until she busts out a SPINNING BIRD KICK.

Personally what I want to see is the Heel Stomp. However yeah the Spinning Bird Kick would work too.

something

10-12-2007, 11:13 PM

Personally what I want to see is the Heel Stomp. However yeah the Spinning Bird Kick would work too.
Just think, spinning bird kick + school uniform = a gift of pantsu bestowed by the gods of gravity.

HitokiriShadow

10-13-2007, 01:39 AM

-Youhei is a horrible judge of strength.

At this point, I think he's just masochistic. But...

Tomoyo is awesome. 500+ hit combo! Air juggling! Dust chute.

... all the better for us. No one else in this school is stupid enough to challenge Tomoyo and gangsters don't show up at school regularly, so we need Youhei's stupidity/masochism to see Tomoyo kick ass.

- Enter Ichinose Kotomi! Sitting on the library floor, barefoot, skipping class, eating lunch, reading advanced physics books and taking scissors to one of them... I like her.

And she's voiced by the Goddess, Mamiko Noto.

- Good lord. Kyou is bi! He just yells it out to the whole class after she threatens him not to tell people she commutes to school by (motor)bike. I see Youhei isn't the only one with a death wish. Ryou's reaction is easily the best part.

Sweet, sweet revenge for all those books he's narrowly dodging.

- I think Fuuko's starfish carving might just be one of the 10 moe-est things ever. And she's totally Nonaka Ai... Mikan-chan!! And she just just half-uguu'd
- Dribble, shooooot! I made it! ...Fuuko perhaps just became my favorite character in the show.

I can't choose a favorite yet, but she's definitely the cutest in the show.

- Nagisa and Tomoya truly do work wonderfully together. We also find out he enrolled for basketball, but quit soon after. And then... Nagisa asks if he wants to play with her. She... she's athletic!? XD Oh man that will be awesome.

The OP indicates that Kyou plays basketball as well. I demand a one on one match between Nagisa and Kyou!

How do they do it, over and over and over? It rains, and Tomoya figures Nagisa can't be waiting, right? Right? But...
She's there, waiting for him. After all the times he's helped her out, she wants to help him. He likes basketball, so she wanted to play with him. Rain disrupts that but she asks to see him shoot once, just to see what a real player's shot looks like.
He pumps his arms down then up, but the ball goes nowhere. He can't lift his arm because of a fight he got in with his father some time before. He can never play basketball again. Ouch.
Nagisa feels horrible for inadvertently dredging up these memories, and coupled with the rain she's been standing in, it causes her to collapse.

Their every interaction, second by second, word by word, has been perfect so far. Just perfect.

Wow, they sure didn't waste any time hitting the emotional scenes in Clannad.

Shiroi Hane

10-13-2007, 01:48 PM

Did Fuuko remind anyone else of Aruruu?

masterpez

10-13-2007, 02:22 PM

She reminded me of someone, I have no idea who though. I recognize the voice, and she sort of acts like a character that I've seen somewhere (never seen Utawarerumono, no idea how to spell that).

something

10-13-2007, 03:07 PM

She reminded me of someone, I have no idea who though. I recognize the voice, and she sort of acts like a character that I've seen somewhere (never seen Utawarerumono, no idea how to spell that).
If you've seen Gakuen Utopia Manabi Straight, then undoubtedly it was Inamori Mika(n) coming to mind, as it was for me.

masterpez

10-13-2007, 04:02 PM

Suwako Moriya

10-13-2007, 04:27 PM

If you've seen Gakuen Utopia Manabi Straight, then undoubtedly it was Inamori Mika(n) coming to mind, as it was for me.

That's probably it then (still need to see the last episode)....

Having a Mika(n) like characters sounds like a potentially good thing. (Also needs to watch the bonus episode. I also desire a miracle so I can watch all the episodes the proper way)

Westlo

10-13-2007, 05:27 PM

Episode 2 continued the fun and was just as good as the first episode. Kyou gains ground on Tomoyo for my fav character in Clannad. Looking forward to her arc and I hope Ryou gets around about the same amount of screen time as Sayuri did (if not more!) Of the two new girls introduced I liked Ms "Dribble shoot score!! *high five* owww!!!" better.

The Dango ending theme starts to make sense now instead of just being WTF and man Tomoya has got some problems.

lorddream

10-13-2007, 06:17 PM

I'm still sticking with Ryou as my favorite character, even though she's not going to see much screen time. Her reaction made the "Kyou is bi" scene, IMO. :neko:

But if I have to pick a character whose name appears in the opening, Kyou doesn't seem like a bad choice. Tomoya just proved she's really fun to tease. (As long as you have a deathwish, anyway.) :neko:

It was fun watching Tomoyo beat up Youhei (again) -- the 528 hit combo was awesome. As fun as it is watching her beat people up, I hope she gets an actual story somewhere down the line.

The dango song makes a bit more sense now... unfortunately, it's stuck in my head. :sd:

As far as the new characters go, I haven't warmed up to either yet. I'm not a big fan of completely helpless characters, so I'll be shocked if I ever wind up liking Fuuko. Still, I do have to admit the basketball bit was cute.

Kotomi just seemed... odd. I'm not sure if I like her or not.

something

10-13-2007, 07:20 PM

I'm still sticking with Ryou as my favorite character, even though she's not going to see much screen time. Her reaction made the "Kyou is bi" scene, IMO. :neko:
Yeah, Ryou is definitely in as "character I'd like the most if she had more screentime" but she only seems to be in the story as Kyou's sister, rather than as a major character in her own right.

But if I have to pick a character whose name appears in the opening, Kyou doesn't seem like a bad choice. Tomoya just proved she's really fun to tease. (As long as you have a deathwish, anyway.) :neko:
These two seem to be the runaway favorites with just about everyone. I like them, but so far they're mostly just "the ones that do cool stuff", which is totally fine, but I'll like them a lot more when the show gets heavily into their stories, whatever those may be.

As far as the new characters go, I haven't warmed up to either yet. I'm not a big fan of completely helpless characters, so I'll be shocked if I ever wind up liking Fuuko. Still, I do have to admit the basketball bit was cute.
I think "completely helpless" isn't really fair. :sd: She's a bit absorbed in her strange hobby, but that's it. I hope she gets lots of screen time, I'm in love with her already.

Kotomi just seemed... odd. I'm not sure if I like her or not.
Odd indeed. And awesome~

lorddream

10-13-2007, 08:44 PM

As far as the new characters go, I haven't warmed up to either yet. I'm not a big fan of completely helpless characters, so I'll be shocked if I ever wind up liking Fuuko. Still, I do have to admit the basketball bit was cute.

I think "completely helpless" isn't really fair. :sd: She's a bit absorbed in her strange hobby, but that's it. I hope she gets lots of screen time, I'm in love with her already.

You're right, it's too early to write Fuuko off as being completely helpless. She may win me over once we start to get into her story, whatever that might be. I am curious about her little hobby.

pi8you

10-13-2007, 10:55 PM

Ack, Moe Overload @_@;

Not my type of show, but I was egged into watching it...

Technically, its pretty awesome, the sepia-to color transition, the Spectator view and other 4th wall stuff like the combo counter, and holy crap the animation on the lonely girl at the start of Ep 2. Either they're going nuts with the framecount, or they're running a cel-shaded model just for her, and either way I'm quite impressed.

Elsewise... ehh, as I said, not my sort of show, though I do like that the lead's such an ass when he wants to be. The lonely girl's story is intriguing too, but the rest of them really haven't done much for me. Really not sure if I'll continue, but if I do, its on the strength of the animation at this point.

...

Okay, the ED is pretty good too >_>

hikaru004

10-14-2007, 12:32 PM

Fuko Ibuki who is giving me slight Ayu vibes for some reason. Maybe it's the sound of her voice.

I kept laughing when she was making a sound similar to uguu. :D Fuko and Nagisa look similar to Ayu imo.

Nice to see that they didn't spare the child abuse issue in this episode.

Jadawin

10-14-2007, 01:51 PM

I wonder when we'll start to learn more about the sub character's stories. Ok, first they had to introduct all of them. Maybe once the club is established (provided they succeed getting any members). Up to now it was mainly all about Tomoya and Nagisa. Can't they kiss already and start going out? :) No need to drag it anymore. ;)

I have to say, though, that I'd probably prefer Tomoya to get together with Kyou. Not only does she act like her age, unlike Nagisa with her Dango Song and tonkatsu, she's also pretty funny. I rooted for Asa-senpai (Shuffle) for exactly the same reason. Guess I am not really a fan of Key's main heroines.

Shiroi Hane

10-14-2007, 02:24 PM

Shuffle! is Navel, not Key.

Jadawin

10-14-2007, 02:38 PM

Shuffle! is Navel, not Key.

I know that. :) Probably should have made that clear to avoid confusion.

hikaru004

10-15-2007, 03:52 AM

I have to say, though, that I'd probably prefer Tomoya to get together with Kyou. Not only does she act like her age, unlike Nagisa with her Dango Song and tonkatsu, she's also pretty funny. I rooted for Asa-senpai (Shuffle) for exactly the same reason. Guess I am not really a fan of Key's main heroines.

Well, maybe if you thought of it as something is causing them to act that way then you may be more sympathetic to the main Key heroines. All the main heroines should have something wrong with them since that is the pattern so far since Kanon. I'll even wager that Tomoyo and Kyou have something wrong with them too from their behaviour though probably not as bad as Nagisa.

beatmania

10-15-2007, 12:40 PM

Hmm, still some characters not introduced yet (I counted 3 with game endings), wonder when we'll see them.

I think I fell in love with Clannad again, I forgot how beautiful the music is.

Fencedude

10-15-2007, 04:31 PM

Hmm, still some characters not introduced yet (I counted 3 with game endings), wonder when we'll see them.

I think I fell in love with Clannad again, I forgot how beautiful the music is.

Haven't we met all the main girls?

Nagisa, Kyou, Tomoyo, Fuuko, Genius-tan (forgot her name). Those are all the ones who have their names in the OP.

Suwako Moriya

10-15-2007, 04:43 PM

Haven't we met all the main girls?

Nagisa, Kyou, Tomoyo, Fuuko, Genius-tan (forgot her name). Those are all the ones who have their names in the OP.

Well yes all of the girls named in the opening have appeared including poor Kotomi Ichinose which would be the name you're looking for.

beatmania

10-15-2007, 05:28 PM

Fencedude

10-15-2007, 05:31 PM

Westlo

10-19-2007, 05:09 AM

Let's see my out of order Episode 3 thoughts....

Kyou is awesome, avatar change time! Nagisa really really really really likes the Big Dango Family. Speaking of family her dad was amusing though hopefully we don't get the "my bread sucks I'm going to run and cry" gag too much.

Same with the Tomoyo kick counter, I'm curious to see why she is wearing a bear costume in the opening sequence. Maybe she was hired to promote a Kanye West album and was dressed as the Dropout bear! :roll:

Sunohara gets beat up not only by Tomoyo but Kyou as well. lol @ Tomoya asking who's kicks were more powerful. Fuko was cute for her short scene and we get introduced to a new supporting character in Yukine.

Will be interesting to see how they juggle Tomoya's relationships with Nagisa, Kyou and Tomoyo as well as the others. Will be a lot harder to do than Kanon 2006 and so far in Clannads 3 episodes it's been Nagisa domination.

Fencedude

10-19-2007, 04:32 PM

The Piano version of "Dango Daikazoku" that played in that one scene with Nagisa around the middle nearly caused me to burst into tears.

stfram

10-19-2007, 06:16 PM

Same with the Tomoyo kick counter, I'm curious to see why she is wearing a bear costume in the opening sequence.

Speaking of the kick counter, it was up to 700+ during the latest showdown with that idiot Sunohara. Looks like it's cumulative? :>

I'm curious about the bear costume...and who she's pushing in the wheelchair.

Sunohara gets beat up not only by Tomoyo but Kyou as well.

Speaking of that, it looks like he's falling for Tomoyo, at least going by the next ep preview.

Of course, it could just be another scheme of his that ends up with his ass getting kicked again.

Fuko was cute for her short scene

Patting him down, looking for her knife... :D

stfram

10-19-2007, 06:18 PM

The Piano version of "Dango Daikazoku" that played in that one scene with Nagisa around the middle nearly caused me to burst into tears.

Nagisa, combined with that song (that I can't get out of my head!), has that effect on people. :cry:

Westlo

10-19-2007, 06:47 PM

I love the Nagisa theme, it's simple but I feel it's the best piece bgm from Key out of Kanon/Air/Clannad.

I also really like the insert song "The Palm of a Tiny Hand" that also uses the Nagisa theme.

something

10-19-2007, 07:18 PM

Episode 3:

- ...I so, so badly want to see how this girl + scrab metal boy theme fits into the show. It's very, very intriguing.
- Nagisa's parents are just lovely. Akio is such a good "rival" for Tomoya for Nagisa's affections and Sanae is cute as hell. I'd eat her bread, damnit! Good to see Tomoya has been stopping by to check on Nagisa too. I love seeing those two get along.
- Enter Yoshino Yuusuke. Defending himself against a claim that he damaged a car, he spouts all sorts of lines that would drive Aika Granzchesta utterly insane. Then Tomoya points out that it was probably a cat, and so it is... thats a damn fat cat. Fat like Gundam Virtue. Yuusuke gives Tomoya his business card and offers to thank him somehow.
- Youhei is possibly the stupidest person ever. But it's all for a good cause. He wants to prove that Tomoyo is... male? Good god, are you BLIND, dude!? ++5 awesome points to Tomoya for narrating the situation to the cat.
- Oh god, the kick counter is cumulative. That's amazing. 743! 743!
- My lovely dango goddess returns to school. And their great, slightly awkward, very cute, and quite heartfelt conversations continue again.
- FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUKOOOO!!!! Good GOD she cracks me up in so many ways. Shake hands! High five! Dribble, shoot, it's in! Boxing training, one two, one two! She gets her knife back and gives him a star as thanks. XD Shit, I want a star tooooo.
- Tomoya is a hologram... or a cyborg! Youhei is a goddamn mess, and I love him for it.
- Botan time, but more importantly, paaaaaain for Youhei. More paaaaaaain, in Kyou form this time. Pain, and something light blue... XD
- Yay, a new girl, one I don't think I've seen before. Miyazawa Yukine, a sorta-librarian, which makes her extra awesome. She helps Tomoya and Nagisa find some books on giving public presentations, because Nagisa needs to get people into the drama club during the open house. But I still can't get over it, stage acting is about the LAST thing Nagisa seems made for.
- ...Apparently Tomoya realized the same thing. Turns out she really has no experience whatsoever. She's never acted and knows nothing about plays and drama. In fact thats exactly why she wants to start a theater club, as she explains quite eloquently once they *finish* practicing. Tomoya tells her she should say exactly what she just said to him, because it reveals her true passion.

But as they're leaving school they noticed their fliers got taken down, because they didn't get permission, and now Nagisa is being called to the student council office. Bitches better not pick on my Nagisa.

And god I do love this ED.

Also, great preview, all Youhei... he wants to get on Tomoyo's good side now? Maybe the beatings turn him on.

Three for three, Clannad has zero flaws. Just zero.

something

10-19-2007, 07:20 PM

The Piano version of "Dango Daikazoku" that played in that one scene with Nagisa around the middle nearly caused me to burst into tears.
It was pretty amazing, wasn't it? That whole conversation was, but so is everything in Clannad. Nagisa has a shot at being my favorite Key lead female (and I rather like the other ones).

lorddream

10-20-2007, 03:57 PM

My favorite scene in this episode didn't involve any of the girls... it was the comedy bit when Tomoya convinces Youhei that he slept for 100 years after being beaten up by Tomoyo. (Cyborg Tomoya lol :D )

My second favorite scene was one with Nagisa and Tomoya (when he agrees that she might be an idiot, but he doesn't think there's anything wrong with that since he's an idiot, too.) It was really sweet. (And the piano version of the dango song is beautiful.)

Kyou's scene was great. (Tomoya's line "Compared to Tomoyo's kick, which hurt more?" was priceless :neko: ) Botan is really cute, too.

Fuuko is growing on me. She's just too cute to dislike. :neko:

The scenes with Yoshino Yuusuke seemed kinda random.

I am disappointed that Ryou didn't make an appearance this time but otherwise, this was a great episode.

HitokiriShadow

10-20-2007, 04:00 PM

The scenes with Yoshino Yuusuke seemed kinda random.

I'm sure it will tie in with one of the girls' storylines later.

Suwako Moriya

10-20-2007, 04:56 PM

Personally I think we'll be seeing a lot of the kick counter in part because they'll want people speculating how high it will go. In any case the episode was rather nice over all, but sadly right now I can't think of any general thoughts to say on the episode.

something

10-20-2007, 04:58 PM

Personally I think we'll be seeing a lot of the kick counter in part because they'll want people speculating how high it will go.
Alright then, I'm placing my bed right now.

4,782

Suwako Moriya

10-20-2007, 05:25 PM

Alright then, I'm placing my bed right now.

4,782

I'll decide on my number later, but I would not be surprised if they went all the way to 9999 and had one more hit in order to break the counter.

Westlo

10-20-2007, 05:31 PM

I'm guessing it will hit 9999 and than the kick counter will explode.

stfram

10-20-2007, 07:21 PM

The scenes with Yoshino Yuusuke seemed kinda random.

Speaking of random, I wonder what the significance is of the lady that Tomoya met at the bakery after the latest meltdown of Nagisa's parents...

TheGreenMan

10-20-2007, 07:28 PM

So, is this series going to be 24 eps now? ANN's encyclopedia says so. Please let this be true.

Westlo

10-20-2007, 07:33 PM

So, is this series going to be 24 eps now? ANN's encyclopedia says so. Please let this be true.

8 dvds have been listed on the clannad website with 3 episodes each.

something

10-20-2007, 07:34 PM

So, is this series going to be 24 eps now? ANN's encyclopedia says so. Please let this be true.
Little bit of talk about this earlier (http://www.animeondvd.com/forum/showtopic.php?fid/21/tid/24918/pid/545904/#545904) in the thread, but short answer is yes, at least 24.

beatmania

10-20-2007, 10:21 PM

Well Clannd's got quite a few characters. I don't know which ones people consider 'main'. OP's probably too short to put everyone in.

As far as I know, those five are the "main" girls, the ones you always see in promo art and whatnot.

Everyone else is presumably adjunct to one or more of their stories.

Well 3 more characters showed up in ep 3 (plus the pig). Since Sunohara mentioned his sister, sooner or later she'll show up too. Yea.

Fencedude

10-21-2007, 11:22 PM

Anyone know if BS-i has started airing the Widescreen version yet?

stfram

10-22-2007, 02:27 AM

Anyone know if BS-i has started airing the Widescreen version yet?

I read that it's supposed to start airing the 25th.

relentlessflame

10-22-2007, 04:40 PM

Anyone know if BS-i has started airing the Widescreen version yet?

I read that it's supposed to start airing the 25th.

Yeah, that's pretty much correct. It airs starting this "Thursday at 25:00", also known as Friday at 1:00am. It's basically going to be exactly three weeks behind the 4:3 broadcast.

mk2000

10-26-2007, 12:05 AM

After several long and slow years some of my Japanese study is starting to pay off.

Didn't see that ending coming. Wow! O.O

Oh, as well:

Moe OffMoe Fusion Technique

Westlo

10-26-2007, 07:29 AM

I liked Episode 4 a lot more than the previous episode, a lot of the comedy spots in 3 just didn't work for me but in Episode 4 they did. I really liked the RPG, Combo Counter and Nagisa's "confession".

Fuuko was cute at the start and Kotomi is starting to grow on me, still need a lot more Kyou and Ryou!!

Oh and I was surprised at the end, mainly for letting something like that happen so early. Fuuko really is like Ayu...

Fencedude

10-26-2007, 01:46 PM

Oh and I was surprised at the end, mainly for letting something like that happen so early. Fuuko really is like Ayu...

Indeed.

I'm a little disappointed in the wholesale recycling of that plot device, so hopefully they've found a way of switching it up a bit.

Otherwise the episode was excellent though.

Ingraman

10-26-2007, 02:33 PM

Oh and I was surprised at the end, mainly for letting something like that happen so early. Fuuko really is like Ayu...

Indeed.

?? None of the names in Clannad are sticking in my mind for some reason... Fuuko... <rewatches Op.> Ah, the star-carver.

Who's Ayu? <checks Clannad cast list on ANN> Not there... Must be another series by the same people... <checks Kanon cast list> There's an Ayu there.

I'm a little disappointed in the wholesale recycling of that plot device, so hopefully they've found a way of switching it up a bit.

It was new to me. If there are similarities between Kanon's Ayu and Clannad's Fuuko, please don't get too specific about it without appropriately labelled spoiler warnings (ie, referencing Kanon, since I'll presume that unmarked spoiler-hidden remarks are only about the Clannad episode being discussed, and not bringing in outside material).

Thanks. ^_^;

Otherwise the episode was excellent though.

I loved the episode, and am starting to consider the purchase of the R2 release.

something

10-26-2007, 03:58 PM

>_> Responding to the root post if you're the first to post on a new episode really shouldn't be as hard as it seems to be...

Episode 4:

- So, like, she can't recruit because there's no club, and she can't really make a club if she can't recruit. The hell? Catch-22 anyone?
- 840 hits! Detachable breasts... Youhei may just be the dumbest person alive.
- Fuuko is calling someone else weird... o_O I love how she just calls Tomoya "the weird person"
- Yeah, Fuuko for the fucking WIN. "You're the person with weird hair, he's the person whose existence is weird!"
- She's distributing stars to random students so they go to her sister's wedding ceremony? Weird person^2! Also, Awesome ^10000
- +1, no combo this time :sd:
- Oh god, Tomoyo is getting her cuteness on... and I approve. She thinks she's acting like a "normal girl" this time >_> Normal where?
- Nagisa and Tomoya brainstorm a bit, and Youhei gives his brilliant advice (caus, he wants bread >_>). Beat up the student council! >_>
- If this were an RPG... XD
- Ryou! I remember you!
- O_____________O BEST SCENE OF THE SHOW (so far). Ryou... Ryou said yes! What a shame Nagisa wasn't asking what Ryou thought she was... Shit that was one of the most hilarious scenes I've seen in a long time. RYOU IS BI!
- I wonder how long Tomoya is going to keep this "I'm doing it for the bread" lie going? Probably until Youhei sinks his teeth into one of Sanae's disasters...
- "Say 'Please make my breakfast every morning' while pretending to bowl!" ...Tomoya is awesome. CHAIN COMBO!! 1013! We have hit four digits!
- Kotomi-chan~~~! What a delightfully strange girl. Need more of her. So now Tomoya has tried to get Tomoyo into the club (she declined, she has student council things to worry about) and Kotomi (who is more interested in saying his name then theater). Not much success.
- Fuuko next! And ...Waaait a second. Is Fuuko the 'ghost' they mentioned? Wasn't it a car accident? She says she stays at school from morning until night and never goes home... she "almost" got hit by a car one day and woke up at school and hasn't left and... weird.
- Nagisa seems to know things... that Ibuki-sensei's little sister is supposed to be hospitalized. So who is Fuuko?

Looks like Nagisa has the same thought I did... Oh man.

AWESOME episode.

Westlo

10-26-2007, 04:12 PM

What a display of willpower by Tomoya and Sunohara

http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/6753/2007102614rb9.jpg

something

10-26-2007, 04:40 PM

What a display of willpower by Tomoya and Sunohara
http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/6753/2007102614rb9.jpg
Seriously. I was totally expecting them to turn that into a joke of some sort, especially given Youhei's previous... encounter :sd:

Maybe he's had enough pain for one day.

stfram

10-26-2007, 06:32 PM

- She's distributing stars to random students so they go to her sister's wedding ceremony? Weird person^2! Also, Awesome ^10000

That *really* tugged at my heartstrings...I just wanted to hug her. :cry:

- Nagisa and Tomoya brainstorm a bit, and Youhei gives his brilliant advice (caus, he wants bread >_>). Beat up the student council! >_>

And the look of horror on Nagisa's face was priceless!

Shit that was one of the most hilarious scenes I've seen in a long time. RYOU IS BI!

And the guys just kept egging them on... :>

So now Tomoya has tried to get Tomoyo into the club (she declined, she has student council things to worry about)

Hmm...Tomoyo's running for president?

Is Fuuko the 'ghost' they mentioned? Wasn't it a car accident? She says she stays at school from morning until night and never goes home... she "almost" got hit by a car one day and woke up at school and hasn't left and... weird.

And so terribly sad. :cry:

AWESOME episode.

Damn straight!

Splitter

10-26-2007, 06:36 PM

Excellent episode. Bi Sisters and 1000 Chain Combo win all.

But now I'm worried... sad girls already? It's only Ep. 4!

something

10-26-2007, 06:38 PM

But now I'm worried... sad girls already? It's only Ep. 4!
Only episode 4 but a lot of girls to deal with. The timing seems good to me.

something

10-26-2007, 07:12 PM

That *really* tugged at my heartstrings...I just wanted to hug her. :cry: Seriously. Fuuko is raping and pillaging my moe-meter.

And the guys just kept egging them on... :> And paid for it... but they're martyrs for the cause!

Hmm...Tomoyo's running for president?
I think that's what Tomoya was thinking. That or something like it. Either way she might get or have influence with the student council, which could be of use to Nagisa. Or hell I wonder if she's already on it, and she might even be one of the officers Nagisa had to talk to... I don't think Nagisa and Tomoyo have met while we've been watching either, i.e. when Tomoya is on screen.

Dustfire

10-27-2007, 04:37 AM

Or hell I wonder if she's already on it, and she might even be one of the officers Nagisa had to talk to... I don't think Nagisa and Tomoyo have met while we've been watching either, i.e. when Tomoya is on screen.
I was thinking the same thing as well.... I always feel like I have to keep a list of who's met who in these shows. :sd:

Other moments of note:
*No crazy parents of Nagisa.... :cry:
*Chain combo! (especially at 950 ;) ) Tomoyo's gonna break 1000 :)
*I can't remember the class rep's name, but the rooftop scene was really funny.
*uguu star power?

Turning out to be my favorite show of the season so far. (of course, I'm only watching a few... :sd: )

something

10-27-2007, 04:43 AM

*Chain combo! (especially at 950 ;) ) Tomoyo's gonna break 1000 :)
She hit 1013 this ep.

*I can't remember the class rep's name, but the rooftop scene was really funny.
Fujibayashi Ryou, one of my favorite characters in the show~

Fencedude

10-27-2007, 04:44 AM

*I can't remember the class rep's name, but the rooftop scene was really funny.

Ryou

Also, that scene has an interesting implication.

It basically proves that Ryou is, at the very least, Bi-Curious.

She accepted Nagisa's "Confession" before she really realized what was going on.

something

10-27-2007, 05:03 AM

Also, that scene has an interesting implication.
It basically proves that Ryou is, at the very least, Bi-Curious.
She accepted Nagisa's "Confession" before she really realized what was going on.
It also confirmed that there's no way in hell she's going to get enough screentime to even begin to satisfy me, since she doesn't seem to be a "main" character. ;_; I'm one of the rare ones who likes her more than Kyou, though I love Kyou too.

Well, I love them all of course.

Dustfire

10-27-2007, 05:44 AM

Also, that scene has an interesting implication.
It basically proves that Ryou is, at the very least, Bi-Curious.
She accepted Nagisa's "Confession" before she really realized what was going on.
I'm one of the rare ones who likes her more than Kyou, though I love Kyou too.

Ah, it's Ryou. Thank you Fenceduce, something. I guess I must have been confusing/combining her name with her sister Kyou (easy to do I suppose). I agree with Fencedude that she really wasn't protesting all that much. Verry interesting. And something, I agree with you on her being more interesting than her sister. I think it was the fortune telling scene that did it for me. The curse of the interesting secondary character, I guess :(

Although come to think of it, shouldn't Nagisa have been thinking about what it sounded like to Ryou? I guess she's got her father's brains, all right. :sd:

(and something, thanks for reminding me she broke 1000. I was too busy enjoying 950+ ;) Also, is your name uncapitalized solely to give me headaches previewing my posts? :P )

something

10-27-2007, 05:57 AM

Although come to think of it, shouldn't Nagisa have been thinking about what it sounded like to Ryou? /// Also, is your name uncapitalized solely to give me headaches previewing my posts? :P )
Yes (but that's Nagisa for ya) and Yes.

Dustfire

10-27-2007, 06:08 AM

Yes (but that's Nagisa for ya) and Yes.

Dear Nagisa...I'm hoping to see a theater club form (not getting my hopes up though.) It'd be a good place for the cast to meet, y'know, right before bad stuff happens to them all (going by Kanon and Air here.) I suppose I should make the obligatory joke about a yuri-themed play now.

At least now I know why your name's uncapped :P

stfram

10-27-2007, 04:55 PM

Although come to think of it, shouldn't Nagisa have been thinking about what it sounded like to Ryou? I guess she's got her father's brains, all right. :sd:

Well, in her defense, Nagisa had no idea what Ryou was told in order to get her to the roof to begin with.

And she's so single-minded, yet so hesitent and nervous about what she's requesting, that when Ryou grabbed her hands she thought she was just being...amazingly supportive. This made her even happier, of course, which sent Ryou even more mixed signals... :>

She's just like Ryou in that respect, and they would make a great couple since their personalities mesh *perfectly*.

Fencedude

10-27-2007, 05:13 PM

16:9 version, now available.

something

10-27-2007, 06:03 PM

16:9 version, now available.
Yeah, I saw some comparison shots and... it's just criminal that this was ever released in 4:3.

Now I need to ask myself if I have the time to rewatch each episode when widescreen comes out... probably not, but I'll try to make time.

something

10-27-2007, 07:23 PM

So in rewatching episode 1 in widescreen, I also rewatched a scene that amuses me in light of episode 4.

After Nagisa finds out there is no drama club, we see her sitting on the grass with Tomoya talking about it. As they're talking, the camera cuts to Ryou, who happens to be walking by, heading home I assume. She looks over and Nagisa and Tomoya and blushes, then lowers her head and hurries off. At first I naturally assumed she was blushing at Tomoya.

...But now I'm not so sure =D

Yeah, I love the little things they put in like this, it lets me speculate wildly even if I know it's actually Tomoya she was interested in =P

relentlessflame

10-27-2007, 08:14 PM

After Nagisa finds out there is no drama club, we see her sitting on the grass with Tomoya talking about it. As they're talking, the camera cuts to Ryou, who happens to be walking by, heading home I assume. She looks over and Nagisa and Tomoya and blushes, then lowers her head and hurries off. At first I naturally assumed she was blushing at Tomoya.

...But now I'm not so sure =D

Actually, surprisingly enough, that was the exact same scene I noticed when rewatching the episode in 16:9. There were a few other little comments and shots that caught my attention this time that I sort of dismissed the first time through, so it's definitely neat that they wrote it in that way. All those little details...

Splitter

10-27-2007, 08:31 PM

16:9 version, now available.

All it took was that amazing opening scene to show me which formant this show MUST be watched in.

Anyone else going to stop watching the 4:3 version altogether?

Fencedude

10-27-2007, 08:32 PM

Suwako Moriya

10-27-2007, 08:48 PM

Anyone else going to stop watching the 4:3 version altogether?
With a three week delay? Hell no.

Yeah there would be the issue of falling behind. Never mind the fact I haven't watched episode 04 yet since I was making progress in other shows. And I still have things to watch. :sd: My thinking is I can always save the 16:9 version for a re-watch. Although I'm undecided if I want to watch it in 16:9 as soon as possible or save it for what would be akin to a marathon or watching in chunks.

something

10-27-2007, 09:09 PM

Anyone else going to stop watching the 4:3 version altogether?
I want to but there's no way I'll be able to bring myself to wait 3-4 weeks. It would also make following this discussion thread pretty much suicidal.

something

10-27-2007, 09:11 PM

Actually, surprisingly enough, that was the exact same scene I noticed when rewatching the episode in 16:9. There were a few other little comments and shots that caught my attention this time that I sort of dismissed the first time through, so it's definitely neat that they wrote it in that way. All those little details...
Yeah, I HUGELY enjoyed rewatching it and keeping an eye out for the little details.

In fact, a 3-4 week time frame between watches should make for some very interesting observations. It's just long enough to make a rewatch exciting again, and also allows for enough content between then and now to really get an idea of what to look for. This Ryou thing is a perfect example.

So yes, I will most certainly be making time for a 3 week delay 16:9 rewatch of the 4:3 Clannad episodes, I don't care WHAT I have to bump off the schedule.

HitokiriShadow

10-27-2007, 09:13 PM

16:9 version, now available.

All it took was that amazing opening scene to show me which formant this show MUST be watched in.

Anyone else going to stop watching the 4:3 version altogether?

With a three week delay? Hell no.

Aye. 16:9 is great and all, but at that price... no, no, hell no. I needs my Clannad NOW.

I've been waiting a day or two to find time to watch it with my brother but even before I watched this episode I had decided that he could watch it on his own after me, I don't want to wait. :sd:

Westlo

10-28-2007, 04:13 AM

Anyone else going to stop watching the 4:3 version altogether?

Nah.. I enjoy being in the current discussions to much to be 3 weeks behind :(

TheGreenMan

10-28-2007, 07:31 PM

Yeah. What is up with Fuuko? If she's at the school as a spirit, wouldn't that mean that she's dead? But she's supposed to be in the hospital, so WTF?

Anyway, the more I watch this show, the more I'm convinced that Tomoya is the biggest prick in the world. He loves making trouble, but at the same time, he doesn't seem to be into doing it. I don't understand his character.

something

10-28-2007, 07:35 PM

StudioZEL

10-28-2007, 07:55 PM

CHAIN COMBO!!!!!

:3

TheGreenMan

10-28-2007, 07:58 PM

Anyway, the more I watch this show, the more I'm convinced that Tomoya is the biggest prick in the world.
Wow... really? He messes with Youhei, but Youhei is asking for it. And in setting up that Ryou x Nagisa thing he performed an incredible service for humankind. We are forever in his debt.

And all the things he did to torment poor Fuuko as well. Tomoya seems to be doing random things to others around him for no reason at all--enjoyment, maybe. Sorry, it's been bothering me. Not that I hate him at all, I just don't understand the character. Maybe time will reveal more.

Also, Kotomi. Why does her leg movements in episode 4 hypnotize me so?

something

10-28-2007, 08:18 PM

And all the things he did to torment poor Fuuko as well.
I... really wouldn't call that tormenting, but ok :sd:

Tomoya seems to be doing random things to others around him for no reason at all--enjoyment, maybe. Sorry, it's been bothering me. Not that I hate him at all, I just don't understand the character. Maybe time will reveal more.
He's just a somewhat bitter, highly sarcastic person, and we've already been told precisely why. But it's also very obvious he doesn't have one iota of ill intent in his heart, and I think all the girls quite clearly realize that, else they wouldn't be so drawn to him. And he knows when to turn the sarcasm off too, as when he gave Fuuko her knife back when she was expecting another punch. And hell, as evidences in his whole relationship with Nagisa. Broadly speaking, he's the same kind of character as Kanon's Yuuichi (KyoAni version... Toei Yuuichi was a dick). He likes to tease but he always stops WELL short of actually intending to hurt anyone.

Also, Kotomi. Why does her leg movements in episode 4 hypnotize me so?
Because she's hot (http://miezaru.donmai.us/post/show/148537).

Suwako Moriya

10-28-2007, 09:50 PM

Finally got around to watching episode 04. To be honest while the first three episodes were interesting and I was being wowed by the pretty. Well it's just that things felt off to me or something like that. I'm not sure how to put it. Regardless things have picked up with episode 04 as it contained several nice moments to it.

Heh random RPG scene for the win! More fun with various girls. Still on to what's truly important here. Fuko Ibuki has gained several bonus points with this episode. Also Kotomi Ichinose is sexy. I think I've figured out which two girls of the five main ones to love now. Not that I want to ignore the other ones. After all I'm rather greedy.

Suwako Moriya

10-28-2007, 09:55 PM

And in setting up that Ryou x Nagisa thing he performed an incredible service for humankind. We are forever in his debt.

One of the best moments of the entire episode and hopefully we'll get good results from that scene. *Wishful thinking* All I know is the two look really good together.

Suwako Moriya

10-28-2007, 09:58 PM

Also, Kotomi. Why does her leg movements in episode 4 hypnotize me so?
Because she's hot (http://miezaru.donmai.us/post/show/148537).

Hence forth part of the reason I've already taken a quick liking her despite the fact she hasn't gotten much focus. Her hair, her body, and oh heck the entire package appeals to me. Still the sooner I learn more about her the more fleshed out my view will be. Right now it's like having a crush from afar, but who knows how I'll feel when I truly get to know her. Okay that's probably not the way I should have phrased it.

TheGreenMan

10-29-2007, 06:37 AM

Also, Kotomi. Why does her leg movements in episode 4 hypnotize me so?
Because she's hot (http://miezaru.donmai.us/post/show/148537).

She's also voiced by Mamiko Noto, aka Ana Copola, Shimako, Matsuri, Nodoka, (Goddess) Yakumo, etc. etc. :blush:

Fencedude

10-29-2007, 06:53 AM

HitokiriShadow

11-02-2007, 12:00 PM

No Tomoyo or combo counter this time, but Mastering "Switching the Person You Are Talking To" made up for it with two minutes of pure comedy gold.

Shizumaru

11-02-2007, 01:43 PM

I'm late to the party, I see. Sorry, it's hard to visit this site sometimes, and I've been busy with the job search.

Episode 5 made me laugh so hard I nearly vomited. True story.

Winding back a few eps...the whole rooftop scene was hilarious, despite my general antipathy for yuri. What struck me especially during that bit was Youhei and Tomoya as they were watching--because it was agreed by a few of my friends that they totally could see me as Tomoya and another friend as Youhei watching it unfold.I would so have punched him out too.

Nagisa's parents are full of win. Also, that canned bread stuff--it first debuted several years ago in response to the Kobe earthquake, as a means of having starches on hand during a major disaster. The Clannad promo with it is simply perfection.

Also, I cannot believe that no one has yet mentioned the Kagami/Tsukasa parallel to Kyou/Ryou here yet. Even if it's a pretty shallow one! Come on, guys!

11-02-2007, 02:37 PM

Anyone else going to stop watching the 4:3 version altogether?
I'm going to try, so I doubt I'll be in this thread again to dodge spoilers. Unless my willpower fails to hold up. Before I wouldn't have waited, but a 47" tv makes the widescreen version much more desirable. :)

Fencedude

11-02-2007, 02:59 PM

This episode was resoundly awesome. And has what was easily the funniest gag yet.

I had no idea Key was capable of writing humor this amusing, I'd like to see their take on a pure comedy series.

Suwako Moriya

11-02-2007, 04:18 PM

No Tomoyo or combo counter this time, but Mastering "Switching the Person You Are Talking To" made up for it with two minutes of pure comedy gold.

That scene was awesome. I'm officially declaring Fuko Ibuki my current favorite girl in the show. Although that may change depending on what happens when other girls gain more focus. Over all a rather enjoyable episode.

something

11-02-2007, 07:02 PM

Episode 5:

- Tomoya and Nagisa are going to visit Ibuki-sensei? Fuuko declines to join them...
- Sweet. The woman who Tomoya gave bread to one day is Ibuki-sensei!
- MOE. Ibuki sets up something wonderful when she asks Nagisa if Tomoya is her boyfriend. She denies it immediately, he notes that that was really fast, and she says it's not that she doesn't like him but... Then Ibuki asks if he's taken, he says no, and Nagisa is surprised =D <3
- Hmmmm! Plot thickens. Ibuki-sensei says she only told her comatose sister about the marriage and wonders how Tomoya and Nagisa know. But he response was more one of regret or nervousness when she heard it, not genuine surprise. Is Fuuko telling the truth? Or is Ibuki-sensei? Either Ibuki-sensei is making up the story about Fuuko behind in a coma, or Fuuko is making up the story about being the sister. Well, or it's just delicious supernatural weirdness, which is the logical choice. Er, in a way.
- Hmmmm. This surprised me a little. Usually the guy is the meddler (for good or for ill) in these shows, the one who takes a lot of the initiative when it comes to the girls in the cast. But after they meet Ibuki-sensei, it's Nagisa who gets fired up about doing everything she can to help Fuuko. Good for her! Tomoya decides to tag along (good for him too).
- They need to hide Fuuko's last name. "Come up with something!" Recipie for disaster (and hilarity)...
- "Isogai." "Ah, that's our neighbors!" XD Also, Nagisa hugging Fuuko~ <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
- "Therefore, give me tea." hah.
- Nagisa's parents are awesome. Tomoya arrives at Nagisa's place to check on Fuuko, and the whole family is up carving stars. Akio tells Tomoya to mind the store XD
- Heh heh, Tomoya is lively this morning. They're not stars, they're STARFISH! XD "Why would I carve stars? That makes no sense." ...Fuuko, you were born on Planet Win in the Fucking Awesome System of the Massively Epic galaxy.
- The next day they're handing out stars to students. Fuuko, give me one! I want one~~! Nagisa asks Fuuko what her sister calls her (Fuu-chan), and is granted permission to call her that too. Nagisa is getting kinda onee-sama-ish towards Fuuko, and that makes me happy. Tomoya asks if he can call her that tooo, and she says that would be horrible. XD
- "Okazaki-san, you can't pick on Fuu-chan!" ...Being hugged by Nagisa sends Fuuko into an blissful trance. Oh god, Nagisa possesses major female-attracting pheromones. I like where this is going.
- AHAHAHAHA I think they just managed to top the Ryou x Nagisa scene. XD At least in terms of pure hilarity, shoujo-ai goodness is a whole different issue. I can't believe Ryou played along with Tomoya. I don't think she can either. She... dind't seem to get it, but hilariously Fuuko did right away (well, in all the wrong ways). Fuutaro! Ahahaahhahahaha. THREE OKAZAKIS!
- STARFISH ALLIANCE! I want to join!! Flying starfish have a great damage modifier. Also, Fuuko redefines awesome with her GOOD JOB pose.
- Fuuko finally hits a block when one person doesn't accept her starfish. A girl she talked to at the opening ceremony, and who seems to remember Fuuko being hospitalized, so when was she released... Tomoya comes up with a story quickly.
- Fuuko never attends classes? She just borrows wood and carves in open classrooms... So in Japan you can walk around school with carving knives, never attend class, and that's not suspicious? :sd: Awesome =P
- So Tomoya comes up with an awesome idea. They hold a mock class for Fuuko =D Youhei, Kyou and Ryou help. But who will be the teacher? Sanae to the rescue! Nagisa told her all about it. Nagisa looks back at Fuuko and smiles. Awww.

"Ibuki Fuuko. She's a little strange, but she's a normal girl no matter how you look at her..."
But abnormally cute. Another wonderful Clannad episode <3

something

11-02-2007, 07:05 PM

Also, I cannot believe that no one has yet mentioned the Kagami/Tsukasa parallel to Kyou/Ryou here yet. Even if it's a pretty shallow one! Come on, guys!
Oh, I definitely noticed it. So did some artists. (http://miezaru.donmai.us/post/show/128600) <3

StudioZEL

11-03-2007, 05:07 PM

Episode 5:
Fuuko, you were born on Planet Win in the Fucking Awesome System of the Massively Epic galaxy.

Isn't Mario there at the moment? :-P

I'm loving the characters and animation in this one, but Fuko's currently striking me a lot like Ayu in Kanon. I'm still loving the show though, esp. the sisters. Though I imagine that's being set up for an eventual cat fight.

Suwako Moriya

11-03-2007, 05:29 PM

I'm loving the characters and animation in this one, but Fuko's currently striking me a lot like Ayu in Kanon.

Which may explain part of the reason I've fallen for Fuko. After all my love for Ayu is still strong.

TheGreenMan

11-03-2007, 06:57 PM

The whole "Okazaki turning into a girl" scene was HILARIOUS! I was actually cracking up in that scene. Nagisa hugging Fuko was so damn cute. Fuko's little "ah, ah" or "yes, yes" when she was in the store was weird, but cute.

rg4619

11-03-2007, 07:42 PM

IMO, the humor was overly forced (and therefore unfunny).

All that stuff about Tomoya turning into a girl (and then with Ryou, Kyou, and Tomoya all in front of Fuuko) would be funny if the gag were remotely believable. However, since no one could possibly be gullible enough to react that way, the humor was lost on me.

The starfish also came across as a bad attempt at creating a joke out of nothing.

Maybe this is a matter of taste. I don't watch comedies often, so I don't know how forced the humor usually is. Nonetheless, I think humor needs to arise naturally and believably to be truly effective.

Fencedude

11-03-2007, 07:43 PM

However, since no one could possibly be gullible enough to react that way, the humor was lost on me.

...thats the most amazing job of missing the point I've ever seen.

something

11-03-2007, 07:56 PM

I don't watch comedies often
So it seems o_O

Your first mistake is applying real world logic to comedy. All else proceeds from that initial mistake :sd:

stfram

11-04-2007, 02:03 AM

No Tomoyo or combo counter this time

Ah, but the dorm lady's divine punishment made up for that.

"Hey Peeping Tom!"

"Hold this." *tosses cat*

"DIVINE PUNISHMENT!"

Poor Sunohara. His pain is our entertainment.

beatmania

11-04-2007, 03:09 AM

classroom scene was the best in this episode.

Elegante

11-04-2007, 02:18 PM

something

11-04-2007, 02:38 PM

So how does Clannad match up to Air and Kanon (2006)? I'm addicted to Clannad thus far, and the other two look pretty good (and amazing, considering other peoples' opinions on them). Are they similar at all?
So far, Clannad has a feel far, far closer to Kanon, particularly due to the size of the cast being much closer to that show. Someone who played the games indicated that Clannad eventually becomes more like Air, but so far it's definitely not, though that may change. It could also be that in the conversion to anime they took on somewhat different feels from the game. Air is much more subdued than Kanon often was, and certainly more than Clannad so far. Because Air had a smaller cast, the story felt much more contained to the main pair. Kanon and Clannad have a lot more going on.

Only 5 episodes in, it's too early to say which is "better" however.

Suwako Moriya

11-04-2007, 05:40 PM

Your first mistake is applying real world logic to comedy.

And on that note one thing that eventually becomes clear is this. Many shows won't let real world logic get in the way of enjoyment. Sure a bit of logic and realism on occasion is nice, but too much of it and we wouldn't have things like say sparkles, kick counter, etc.

Fencedude

11-09-2007, 04:04 PM

Crying Nagisa ;_;

Juice up Fuuko's nose!

Tomoyo in a bear suit!

Sanae-san's bread!

Kyou, Ryou, Nagisa and Fuuko in maid outfits!

Fuck Yes! YOU ARE THE BEST EPISODE EVER!

Splitter

11-09-2007, 04:43 PM

The Good: Mascot of Doom :>

The Fucking A: Cosplay cafe :virgin: :virgin: :virgin: :virgin:

The Key: .... Fu-chan, daijoubu :cry:

P.S. Mai Nakahara has the most unique crying of any seiyuu.

Suwako Moriya

11-09-2007, 05:22 PM

stfram

11-09-2007, 08:12 PM

Speaking of which, I wonder what the truth behind the final scene involving Fuko and her sister will be.

It's time for a hospital visit, I think.

That said, the next episode preview looks positive.

Ingraman

11-09-2007, 08:16 PM

Juice up Fuuko's nose!

At least her thirst was quenched...

Eww... ^_^;

Shizumaru

11-09-2007, 09:36 PM

Ah yes nothing like a random quick fanservice shot included during the "Juice" scene. Plus wow the "bread" scenes are getting really dramatic. The world needs more maids that's for certain. I wonder if we should give Fuko Ibuki the nickname "Sparkles". Speaking of which, I wonder what the truth behind the final scene involving Fuko and her sister will be.

The shot of Fuuko in the swimsuit wasn't all that fanservicey. It was just...genius humor, to insert that shot just then. I can't even quite get it into words why.

EmperorBrandon

11-10-2007, 01:31 AM

P.S. Mai Nakahara has the most unique crying of any seiyuu.

I've loved Mai Nakahara's voice ever since I first heard it several years ago. But it always seems I love it even more with every new role I hear...

Suwako Moriya

11-10-2007, 09:15 AM

The shot of Fuuko in the swimsuit wasn't all that fanservicey.

Perhaps, but it was still fun to see and had me do the rewind and pause thing. I guess it was one of those "wait a sec" moments.

stfram

11-10-2007, 02:43 PM

Perhaps, but it was still fun to see and had me do the rewind and pause thing. I guess it was one of those "wait a sec" moments.

It also gives us a glimpse of what her..."happy place" is like (or equivalent to) when she's sparkling out.

Suwako Moriya

11-10-2007, 04:04 PM

It also gives us a glimpse of what her..."happy place" is like (or equivalent to) when she's sparkling out.

In that case I want to be part of her happy place. *Trips others trying to enter*

something

11-10-2007, 04:17 PM

Episode 6:

- Tomoya pulls no punches. Sanae cries. MOMMAMOEEEEEEE
- Break the starfish seal o_O Tomoya is so strange.
- I don't understand how someone can walk past Fuuko and refuse her starfish. Any amount of magic and mystery and the supernatural, I can take. But a sane human turning down Fuuko? THAT IS BEYOND ABILITY TO SUSPEND DISBELIEF!
- But she seems to be doing relatively well, seeing as how three guys want to form a Fuuko fanclub. XD
- Mmm, Tomoya holds a strategy meeting to discuss ways to maximize their starfish distribution channels. Youhei shows up and wants to help to get on Nagisa's good side since he's still stupid enough to believe he'll get bread (or that the bread he gets will be edible). Heh, Fuuko ORZ~
- "We're almost like Fuu-chan's mother and father!" ...then she realizes what she just said and they blush. XD One thing I really like about Tomoya is that there are times when his sarcasm fails him. This is such a time. Instead of having a witty comeback every time Nagisa says something about the two of them that hints at their feelings, he gets nearly as embarrassed, which makes their relationship seem much more balanced.
- They run into Yusuke (Ibuki-sensei's fiance!) and he says it's a good idea to invite her to the Founder's Festival. They ask her later, and she accepts. And is still talking about Fuuko as if she's in the hospital... it's going to be really interesting to find out who's telling the story straight here. Maybe both...
- Crying Nagisa sounded so, so, so very different O_O Ahahha that was so cute.
- So Fuuko is up all night making starfish. Tomoya feels bad waking her up for school, so he carries her instead. Ok, cute, but here's MY question: who changed her clothes? =D
- "Vaguely horrible!" XD Also, Fuuko's dream was epic. And she's adorable in that swimsuit.
- Someone changed Fuuko while she was incapacitated again! She goes into her trance when she sees the starfish goods her fanclub made. She wakes up in a really goddamn cute maid outfit, with Kyou and Ryou in the same. Yaaaaay!
- AND NAGISA TOO!! ::is in moe heaven:: Tomoya even tells her she looks good, and she takes the compliment naturally. Damn I love these two together.
- Awwwwwwww, watching Fuuko's fame spread as people talk about how cute she is, and accept her starfish and listen to her story is heartwarming (and moe) to the extreme. Siigh~~
- Youhei starts hitting on chicks again. Runs into some opposition in the form of someone in a bear costume. Who could it be... =D Muahaha
- She's on patrol, but in costume since too many people potentially know her and might pick a fight...

And the the rest of the episode, from here until the ED, is just utterly incredible. Fuuko gives Tomoyo a starfish, and though Tomoyo usually turns down gifts (she gets many from other girls), she takes a look at the bandages on Fuuko's hand and accepts it for the handmade feeling that went into it, then goes back on patrol. Fuuko remarks what a nice person Tomoyo is, and then turns around to see... Mitsue.

And it's just beautiful. Mitsue accepts this time, and asks Fuuko when the wedding is. <3

Then the moment of truth. Tomoya, Nagisa and Fuuko are outside. Ibuki-sensei (or I can call her Kouko now I guess) sees them, and remarks how happy she is to see two familiar faces.

...Wait... two? "...I can neither see nor talk to her..." Oh man...

The shot where Fuuko sees Kouko and the camera slowly moves closer to her face while Tomoya and Nagisa run to greet Kouko got me. Oh it got me good.

I need the next episode RIGHT NOW.

Mitsuki

11-10-2007, 07:24 PM

I just got all caught up in one day and wow... I love this show. (As you can see, it rated an avatar change.)

I can't wait to see what happens next. I think it's interesting that people are comparing the Fuko plot to Ayu in Kanon, which I can definitely see since it has the same themes. I wonder if its positioning in the series (first instead of last) means that the Clannad stories are going to be, as a whole, more touching than Kanon's.

I can't wait to see Kotomi get move development and to see the (super catchy!) ED get more explanation.

Dustfire

11-10-2007, 08:26 PM

I was a little behind, so I just caught up on ep 5 and 6.

I think the star-shaped bread looked tasty. :sd: I like my moe in milf form, thank-you-very-much.

The maid outfits were great.

I was expecting Fuko to go *poom* into sparkles or something at the end of the episode... poor Fuko. :( And I liked the starfish barrier too. The power of her happy place!

Tomoyo looked good with short hair (I know, she still had it, but it looked short) but not as good as when her legs are impacting Sunohara.

I notice the prelude with the robot wasn't in the episode....I really go WTF about those sequences.

Mitsuki

11-10-2007, 08:57 PM

EmperorBrandon

11-10-2007, 09:09 PM

and to see the (super catchy!) ED get more explanation.

You're right about super catchy. I get that theme stuck in my head a lot...

Dustfire

11-10-2007, 09:48 PM

I notice the prelude with the robot wasn't in the episode.

I hadn't noticed that until you mentioned it! Maybe it will go away for a while and then come back... I really want to know what's going on with that bit. I liked it a lot. (Is it just me that took forever to notice the robot in the OP?)

Wanting to know's driving me crazy too. I've been trying to avoid game spoilers for this one, but I think it's one of those big-important-at-the-end things. So we only have to wait for, y'know, a month or three. :sd: What I wonder is if the robot thing's in the future, past....some other place at the same time? A drug-induced metaphor? All of the above? (a really big batch of drugs)

Oh, and I agree with Emperor Brandon that the ending theme's catchy. Now it's stuck in my head. (I'll get you for this!)

HitokiriShadow

11-10-2007, 10:57 PM

Tomoya leveled up again. Twice. And he has a very odd imagination, but that's what makes him so fun.

So, Fuuko gets a ton of cute moments (and a swimsuit scene), we see most of the female cast in maid outfits, and Tomoyo in a bear suit.

Also, the Fuuko storyline continues to chug along and we get a nice scene with Mitsue followed by DRAMA with Ibuki-sensei.

mk2000

11-11-2007, 10:49 PM

That "Free" girl Sunohara was chasing after is actually a cameo appearance of Kanako from Key's Tomoyo After. (played by Keiko Suzuki I believe).

I didn't know who she was other than she was a bit too well animated and voiced to be a random character.

Anyhow, perhaps there's a future for a Tomoyo After OVA?

EmperorBrandon

11-11-2007, 11:47 PM

That "Free" girl Sunohara was chasing after is actually a cameo appearance of Kanako from Key's Tomoyo After. (played by Keiko Suzuki I believe).

Keiko Suzuki is listed in the credits as "girl".

11-12-2007, 12:20 AM

The whole level up thing cracks me up everytime and probably will as long as they do it. Clannad seems to offer a lot more humor in general than it's predecessors, but no doubt things will turn serious soon enough.

I particularly liked the last few minutes of this episode and the musical piece that played. The music is one of my favorite things about Key stuff and so far it felt like Clannad hasn't hit very many of those great solemn moments with a beautiful piece of music. At least not the way Kanon is so very good at doing.

Am I the only one who thinks that just about every single facial expression in every episode of this show is something that simply must be capped and turned into an avatar?

something

11-12-2007, 04:41 PM

Am I the only one who thinks that just about every single facial expression in every episode of this show is something that simply must be capped and turned into an avatar?
That's one thing KyoAni just does exceedingly well. I could never get over how spot on it always was in Lucky Star, though for different reasons, being a comedy and all.

TheGreenMan

11-12-2007, 04:52 PM

Am I the only one who thinks that just about every single facial expression in every episode of this show is something that simply must be capped and turned into an avatar?

I already did. Haha.

mk2000

11-12-2007, 05:51 PM

That "Free" girl Sunohara was chasing after is actually a cameo appearance of Kanako from Key's Tomoyo After. (played by Keiko Suzuki I believe).

Keiko Suzuki is listed in the credits as "girl".

Yeah, I think KyoAni did the same, credits wise, for Kanon's Ayu, Nayuki and Makoto cameo in Air TV episode 2.

11-13-2007, 11:10 AM

Am I the only one who thinks that just about every single facial expression in every episode of this show is something that simply must be capped and turned into an avatar?

I already did. Haha.
That's the one that was catching my eye too. :)

something

11-16-2007, 04:13 PM

Episode 7:

- And the conversation continues. Kouko still cannot see Fuuko at all. She's just not there. Nagisa and Tomoya tell her to get married, that it's what Fuuko would want, that putting aside her own happiness also puts aside Fuuko's happiness. Kouko sees the wisdom in their words and asks them to be friends with Fuuko if she ever wakes up and comes to school. Nagisa fights back tears.
- Later on, Fuuko gives Botan a starfish and invites him to the wedding. :sd: Despite what just happened, her motivation is renewed, and she gets abck to starfishing people. Nagisa and Tomoya seem to just be accepting what happened... Hmm. What did they make of it? I'm not quite sure. Tomoya says Nagisa was right - they shouldn't have forced a meeting like that.
- Fuuko continues to do her thing. They visit Kotomi, and those two together in the same room is gold. She accept the starfish.
- Then Tomoya and Fuuko get in a bit of a "fight", with a tongue twister (which Fuuko mangles of course). Youhei comes by and she declares him an enemy too. He asks her what she's gonna do to him, and she whistles (seemingly silently). Youhei laughs... until the Fuuko-chan Fanclub attacks!
- Tomoya and Nagisa visit Kouko after school and ask her if she's still willing to marry. She says she is, but can't book a hall. She'd want to do it at the school, but doesn't think it's possible. Tomoya asks her another question: What was Fuuko like before the accident?
- Kouko tells them that she was very quiet, and didn't make any friends. They got along well together, but eventually Kouko started to pretend she was busy all the time, to hopefully force Fuuko to make friends. Fuuko said on the day of the entrance ceremony for high school that she was committed to doing so. It's on the way home from that that she got into the accident.
- Another Starfish Strategy Meeting. Tomoya suggests she hand out something new to win over the people who haven't accepted yet. She refuses. Youhei is there, saying it's just for his Nagisa... she "rejects" him without a second thought. XD Also, he thought the starfish were shuriken. XD
- Fuuko says that she wants everyone to know they're starfish, and thinks up different ways to get the word out.
- Then... AN EPIC BATTLE! Nagisa and Fuuko debate which is cuter: Dango Daikazoku or Starfish. This is the one thing Nagisa will gte fired up about! Fuuko makes up a knockoff song for the Starfish Daikazoku! XD They eventually agree to let them share first place.
- TOMOYA BECAME THE FUUKO MASTER! And Fuuko pummells Youhei's face with the starfish XD
- Tomoya and Nagisa head over to Kouko's again to tell her the good news (they jst got a teacher to agree to set up the school wedding for her). Kouko is happy but has bad news for them. Fuuko's condition worsened, and the doctors said she won't wake up. Tomoya and Nagisa head to the park and Nagisa breaks down in tears. Even Tomoya starts to cry a little. Ouch. Also, Nagisa has the most beautiful crying eeeeeever.

Tomoya is understandably depressed after this. He's in Youhei's room again, and Youhei asks him pointedly just what Fuuko is. He talks about the Ibuki Fuuko everyone knows about, and starts to doubt the line about "Isogai" Fuuko. Tomoya tries to explain it away but Youhei has more to say.

Not only are these weird rumors going around, but people are starting to forget Fuuko. Even people who received starfish from her. He personally watched two guys he knows walk right past her. He yells at them (she's growing on him!) and tells them they're being rude. They turn around and stare straight at her, and see nothing. Youhei... really wants to know what's going on.

Damn. Fantastic episode. Fuuko's arc is heading for a truly amazing conclusion.

Fencedude

11-17-2007, 12:13 AM

Needed more Kyou and Tomoyo (by more I mean ANY), but good episode.

HitokiriShadow

11-17-2007, 12:52 AM

Tomoya becomes a Fuko Master and Starfish/Dango Wars. And Fuko reveals her Finishing Move, When Fanboys Attack. Also, Kotomi's number of lines for the series have now tripled, at least. Sadly, Kotomi is also Mamiko Noto's second most talkative role this season, and its a close second. Oh, and lots of drama and Sad Girl At Sunset.

Sadly, no Kyou or Tomoyo, but there will more time for them soon as Fuko won't be appearing much, if at all, once her arc ends. And the way things are going, it will probably end next episode.

something

11-17-2007, 01:08 AM

HitokiriShadow

11-17-2007, 01:43 AM

Sadly, no Kyou or Tomoyo, but there will more time for them soon as Fuko won't be appearing much, if at all, once her arc ends. And the way things are going, it will probably end next episode.
You know, as much as I love the other girls, I didn't miss any of them for a second during this episode, because I was far too engrossed in Fuuko's story to worry about seeing them squeeze more girls in. Clannad is already strangely humorous for this sort of show (which is a damn good thing so far for the most part, mind you), so getting an episode with more straight drama was appreciated, especially so close, presumably, to the end of Fuuko's arc. I kind of hope they keep other characters to a minimum in the next episode or so as well, since none of them really have a deep connection to Fuuko and I want them to really focus on her situation and nail down a perfect emotional climax.

Perhap's the "sadly" gave the wrong impression. Said characters' absence didn't affect my enjoyment of the show at all nor do I think they should have given them screentime when they could not easily fit them in or would detract from other more important things. I was glad to see to finally see Kotomi again for the first time in like three episodes and I wouldn't trade her screentime for the others, who have gotten a good amount. At this point, it is deep in Fuko's story and heading to the climax so their isn't much time nor any need for unrelated characters.

Not that it takes a lot of time to toss in a kick combo or dictionary scene, but I'm sure we'll get plenty of that in the downtime between arc climaxes.

Undoubtedly. They'll get plenty of time. And at this point, Fuko needs all the comedic screentime she can get because regardless of how things turn out for her real body, she's not going to be appearing anymore, except maybe the last episode depending on how things turn out.

Interestingly, though, I have no idea what the sequence of the arcs will be, aside from Nagisa having the final one locked in obviously.　I wonder if they'll find a way to spice it up somehow, given the mild surprise, for me, of how they timed things in Kanon at the end.

I'd guess Tomoyo will be next since she's the one character they've given any hints about aside from Nagisa. We've barely even seen Kotomi and Kyou has been almost purely comic relief so far. Of course, there is nothing stopping them from diving into Kyou or Kotomi's arc with little prior "hints" and saving Tomoyo for later. I would think they would give Kotomi a little more screen time during other arcs before diving into her's, but that isn't absolutely necessary (just preferred, IMO).

Suwako Moriya

11-17-2007, 05:59 PM

Damn. Fantastic episode. Fuuko's arc is heading for a truly amazing conclusion.

It's been a rather fun and yet sad arc so far. I'm curious as to what they'll do to resolve the issues with Fuko's current condition and people forgetting about her. In some ways it feels like things are bit hopeless right now.

Shiroi Hane

11-19-2007, 07:45 AM

- Then Tomoya and Fuuko get in a bit of a "fight", with a tongue twister (which Fuuko mangles of course).
Did she sound like a mad chicken to anyone else? It was like Air in Summer all over again.

And Fuuko pummells Youhei's face with the starfish XD
I was reminded of the fact that you could use a Starfish as a weapon in Disgaea.

Suwako Moriya

11-23-2007, 06:42 PM

I'll let someone else summarize things, but more or less the angst with Fuko being forgotten continues. You know I'm starting to hope there is some logical explanation for all of this. Granted there may be hints, but some confirmation would be nice. I just want this thole "forgetting" thing explained a bit.

stfram

11-23-2007, 07:12 PM

I just want this thole "forgetting" thing explained a bit.

Well, we found out what happens if you go visit her in the hospital, which also explains why her sister can't see her.

A slow-moving, yet very touching episode...and it isn't over yet. :(

Don't disappear forever, Fuu-chan!

something

11-23-2007, 09:58 PM

Episode 8:

- Fuuko continues to hand out starfish but more and more people are both forgetting her and not even seeing her. We get a cute scene of her going to her happy place when she hugs Nagisa, but for the most part things are definitely getting more depressing now. Tomoya and Nagisa and Nagisa's family still remember her, but even people who accpeted the starfish and said they'd go to the wedding remember her less and less.
- It's hitting Nagisa particularly hard, and she's having trouble holding back her tears. She knows that as much as they reassure Fuuko, time is running out and even though the wedding is soon, there might not be a single person who remembers Fuuko by then. Maybe not even her or Tomoya.
- Youhei still remembers as well, but he's been doing some research on Ibuki Fuuko. He may be an idiot, but he can still put two and two together. Ibuki Fuuko is the girl who got in an accident and is in the hospital. Ibuki Kouko is the sister getting married. Thus Isogai Fuuko is a fake name, and this girl has to be Ibuki Fuuko... or an impostor. Either way, he doesn't regret the time he's spent with her, but he does want to confirm things. He wants to go to the hospital and see Ibuki Fuuko face to face.
- Tomoya worries that is Youhei sees Fuuko, he'll forget her too. Youhei doesn't press the issue because Tomoya clearly doesn't want to talk about it, but he's still determined to go to the hospital.
- Second half.
- Nearly everyone is walking past Fuuko now, even her former private guard. Youhei comes to school late and says the weirdest thing just happened. Before he knew it, he was walking out of a hospital, and he has no idea why he was there. And so, even Youhei has forgotten... what did he see in that hospital room?
- Kyou and Ryou fare little better. They have a weak inkling of seeing something like those starfish before, but can't place it. And they can't see Fuuko either. =(
- Tomoya tells Nagisa that if anyone is going to remember Fuuko, it'll be her. Nagisa has spent more time with her than anyone, loved her more than anyone. Even if Tomoya forgets, Nagisa can never forget. Let's hope that's true.
- I'm surprised Youhei is getting so much time in this arc, but I really like it. He comes over and asks Tomoya and Nagisa to lunch, but they're depressed and decline. He pushes more and Tomoya lashes out at him. Then suddenly Youhei says "Hey, Fuuko-chan, tell him!" but immediately takes it back, apologizing for saying something strange. He still can't see her, but he has a vague, sad memory left. Suddenly he has a starfish in his hands, but he can't put the pieces together. It's bothering him, but there's nothing more Tomoya and Nagisa can do.
- I really love how they're mixing the sadness and humor, with a great sense of when one is acceptable and the other isn't. Even as the Fuuko arc draws to a close, her incredible interaction with Nagisa and Tomoya continues. From buying her the cheesy party hat to the starfish > Tomoya > sea slug sandwich, I find myself laughing as much as feeling sad. Fuuko turns the likable Tomoya/Nagisa couple into a really dynamic threesome, and it'll be sad to see her gone (that's assuming she will be, which I am) because I love what she does for them.
- One of the things they feared most has happened. They head back to the Furukawa house, and Akio has forgotten. But like Youhei, Kyou and Ryou, there's a lingering memory, a painful memory, and he can't get it out of his head. He grabs his bat and goes to take some of his frustrations out with baseball. Sanae comes down as Tomoya and Nagisa are talking to Fuuko and greets Nagisa... Tomoya... and then Fuuko!

But it's affected her too. She feels like she knows Fuuko is there, but she can't see her. It seems she, like Youhei, went to the hospital. And ever since then, she and Akio have started to forget. It's killing her to know Fuuko is so close and yet so far, so out of reach. She can only fall to her knees and tell Fuuko she's allowed to stay. For her it must be like losing a daughter.

I would like to take this opportunity to say that any scene where Nagisa hugs and holds Fuuko ranks as one of the most beautifully moe scenes ever. Nagisa has truly become the caring older sister that Fuuko so needs with Kouko unable to see her. Tomoya is absolutely right, Nagisa truly does care for her more than anyone, is closer to her than anyone. Nobody is as affected by every passerby who ignores Fuuko as Nagisa is.

And this brings up an interesting point. The male is always the center of these arcs, the last one to be with the girl, the last one the girl turns to. Will they break the trend and have Nagisa there with Fuuko at the end? More likely I think she'll "disappear" from them both simultaneously, as the preview seems to allude, but I'm not sure how the events will play out, since there's the wedding to consider too. Perhaps "Fuuko" will be gone, but her body in the hospital will continue on, and while I don't foresee her playing a major role in the story after this, perhaps we'll see her again in some form before the end.

Regardless of what happens, the Fuuko arc has worked incredibly well for me. By far the most humorous Key work animated, but not lacking in emotion either. The fact that we have a somewhat established couple at the beginning (if not romantically, in *some* way) means we get two perspectives on Fuuko's situation, and that really adds depth to it.

-----------
You know I'm starting to hope there is some logical explanation for all of this. Granted there may be hints, but some confirmation would be nice. I just want this thole "forgetting" thing explained a bit.
Silly miko. It's Key, it's all about memories and emotions and the supernatural. Her comatose body's wishes are projecting another Fuuko into the real world, to do the things she needs to do, to correct her lingering regrets. I doubt we'll see any sort of "logical" (to our reality anyway) explanation, and I wouldn't care for one anyway. This magical touch is what makes Key work so well for me.

Splitter

11-24-2007, 02:25 AM

And so the Keyness has truly begun, and oh how painful it is. A serious Sunohara is fine too, but a earnestly sobbing Sanae breaks the dam. When she reached up for Fuko, I lost it. I can only imagine the things going through Fu-chan's head as everyone around her begins to forget about her existence.

What worries me most about the next episode is that Kanon and Air were not devoid of a sacrifice... *glomps Fu-chan*... please, God, let her live. Let her be happy T_T

And on an entirely inappropriate note, why do I think Nagisa is really molesting Fuko when she's comforting her? Hands above the waist, Furukawa ><

something

11-24-2007, 02:35 AM

And on an entirely inappropriate note, why do I think Nagisa is really molesting Fuko when she's comforting her? Hands above the waist, Furukawa ><
HANDS ARE JUST FINE WHERE THEY ARE.

Nagisa x Fuuko = <3

stfram

11-24-2007, 05:32 AM

Perhaps "Fuuko" will be gone, but her body in the hospital will continue on, and while I don't foresee her playing a major role in the story after this, perhaps we'll see her again in some form before the end.

I could see her waking up, but suffering from complete memory loss (as does everyone who knew her, except her sister). She got her wish to help her sister, but it comes at a high price...

Or...a funeral at the end of episode nine. :cry:

Don't kill her off, KeyKyoAni!

Suwako Moriya

11-24-2007, 10:02 AM

Silly miko. It's Key, it's all about memories and emotions and the supernatural. Her comatose body's wishes are projecting another Fuuko into the real world, to do the things she needs to do, to correct her lingering regrets. I doubt we'll see any sort of "logical" (to our reality anyway) explanation, and I wouldn't care for one anyway. This magical touch is what makes Key work so well for me.

When I say logical, I don't mean it has to be realistic. It just has to make sense in the context of the story. I guess more than anything else I'm less worried about realism or logic and rather more concerned with curiosity about why it's happening.

The only thing that I can tell for certain is it seems to both be connected to how well people know the real Fuko and her current condition. Then again it's hard to say if the real Fuko's current condition is the cause of more forgetting or if Fuko being forgotten is the cause of the real Fuko's condition. Granted I'm probably over looking things.

HitokiriShadow

11-24-2007, 02:23 PM

Ah, Key, how do you move me so? Such heart wrenching drama. This is one of the saddest episodes of anything I've seen in a while.

On another note, I'm impressed with Sunohara. They actually made him look kind of cool. He's a goofball and an idiot but he's still a good guy at heart.

EmperorBrandon

11-24-2007, 02:55 PM

I don't think Fuko will get to be one of my favorites of the main girls, but I'm definitely liking her story so far. It has me genuinely intrigued about where it is going to next.

something

11-24-2007, 03:03 PM

When I say logical, I don't mean it has to be realistic. It just has to make sense in the context of the story. I guess more than anything else I'm less worried about realism or logic and rather more concerned with curiosity about why it's happening.
I guess I I feel like they've already given us most of the answers we need about Fuuko. I'm not expecting major twists in the next episode, though they're always welcome to try if it can be pulled off. I think the only thing remaining to be seen is whether she wakes up now, later, or never. Never seems a bit out of character, but not immensely so.

TheGreenMan

11-24-2007, 07:17 PM

Fuko is such an awesome character. I was almost crying by the end of the episode (really, I'm a wimp). The way Nagisa cares for her is so touching.

Shiroi Hane

11-29-2007, 10:05 PM

Fuuko's arc ends with nary a dry eye in the house (go on, admit it).
Next week: Kotomi-chaaan finally leaves the library.

angelx03

11-30-2007, 12:36 PM

Very heartwarming and bittersweet at the same time! :cry:

Splitter

11-30-2007, 12:41 PM

I'm actually very emotionally conflicted with the outcome. Oh, I cried, but unlike Air 12 and Kanon 10 I'm not sure why.

"Omedetou!" could have easily been the new "Goal!", but KeyAni has left everything up in the air. She's gone, but at the same time, there's a chance that one day she'll come back. Either way, Fu-chan's miracle grabbed my heart and squeezed it good.

Kotomi's coming into her arc with a strong act to follow. Unlike the KeyAni predecessors, everyone liked the "bratty loli" this time.

Sly05

11-30-2007, 01:04 PM

I'm happy that it didn't end as tragically as I was expecting. I still was fighting back tears, but I imagine we'll see Fuuko again in the epilogue.

From the preview, Kotomi seems to be very concerned about bullies. :laugh: I'm looking forward to this next arc as she's been quite cute in all of her appearances to far.

akitokun

11-30-2007, 01:12 PM

Fuuko's arc ends with nary a dry eye in the house (go on, admit it).

Ok, I admit it. I had to hold it in as was watching it at work (yeah, would have been kinda silly to start bawling with my supervisor wondering what the hell was going on), but it is a sweet and moving episode. If I was watching this at home, the water works would have been on full blast. :cry:

HitokiriShadow

11-30-2007, 11:52 PM

I'm actually very emotionally conflicted with the outcome. Oh, I cried, but unlike Air 12 and Kanon 10 I'm not sure why.

This one was very bittersweet and had some hope unlike the other two you mentioned. Fuko accomplished her goal and even got to say something to her sister. In addition, she isn't dead yet (that we know of) so there is still hope. But it was a very touching episode and while I've never actually cried for anime, at least that I can recall, (it's not that I don't feel sad or like crying, I just... don't cry even if I feel like I should be) I did tear up for this episode.

Looks like we are jumping into Kotomi's arc next or at least she'll get a good amount of focus next episode.

Ingraman

12-01-2007, 01:52 AM

Fuuko's arc ends with nary a dry eye in the house (go on, admit it).

Tears were queuing up to leave my eyes, but I didn't quite cry. <sniff> It was a moving scene. ;_;

Next week: Kotomi-chaaan finally leaves the library.

Suwako Moriya

12-01-2007, 09:41 AM

A rather nice way to end the arc. It's filled with sadness, happiness, and hope making it more balanced. The sooner the real Fuko wakes up and gets declared a Goddess the better. *Is delusional*

The preview was rather fun with the way the dialog went. Plus hopefully it really does mean more focus on Kotomi soon.

EmperorBrandon

12-01-2007, 02:54 PM

A rather nice way to end the arc. It's filled with sadness, happiness, and hope making it more balanced. The sooner the real Fuko wakes up and gets declared a Goddess the better. *Is delusional*

I was very satisfied with how the Fuko arc ended, and I would agree with the "balanced" statement. I hope they do give her an appearance later and not completely neglect her. I am interested in finding out more about the other girls now, though.

TheGreenMan

12-01-2007, 08:08 PM

Fuuko's arc ends with nary a dry eye in the house (go on, admit it).

Cried like a little girl, I did.

mk2000

12-02-2007, 07:18 PM

Fuuko's arc ends with nary a dry eye in the house (go on, admit it).
Next week: Kotomi-chaaan finally leaves the library.

"zutto...zutto shiawase ni..."
:cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

One of the most perfectly delivered lines in Anime history.

Ai Nonaka's peformance had been decent but that last line was pure perfection. I get choked up just with that one line.
There's so much genuine love and heartfelt yearning in her wish to her sister.

As for Kotomi-chan, she did leave the library :)

You can see her in a timid spell in the background with all the other students.

something

12-03-2007, 09:54 AM

Oh yay, I have an intrenet connection again, so I can post this.

I needed to watch ep 5 widescreen, so I just went ahead and rewatched eps 1-8 before getting to this. With the arc presumably ending, I might as well. Wasn't sure if I'd be in he mood to spend ~4 hours rewatching, but from the first flicker of color as Dango Daikazoku instrumental plays at the beginning of episode 1, I was awed all over again. I teared up more than half a dozen times, and the whole stretch from where Tomoyo accepted Fuuko's starfish until where Kouko comes to the Founder's Festival and doesn't see Fuuko was as amazing as if I were watching it for the first time, if not more so.

In fact, I now like Clannad even better than before. And rewatching these episodes reinforced how beautiful the Fuuko arc is. So now, let's bring it to a close...

Episode 9:

::starts the episode::
::finishes the episode::

The fact that they can nail an ending worthy of a full 26 episode series on only the 9th episode just rapes my mind in ways even hentai hasn't thought of yet. Very good ways.

It was just perfect. If the series ended here, well, I'd be horribly disappointed there's no more but I'd still consider it a first rate story.

The beginning went well enough, with more comedy pertaining to Fuuko's childishness with the cheesy party hat set. And though I've mentioned it before, the Fuuko arc deserves massive praise for being extremely funny throughout without detracting from the drama at all. Even after some really depressing things happened, Fuuko, Nagisa and Tomoya were still able to laugh, to poke fun at each other, right up until the end. After Kouko meets but can't see Fuuko, after Akio and Sanae start to forget, after Mitsui acts like Fuuko never existed, they still made me laugh. They could shift from that to tears in an instant, without elaborate transitions or sudden surprises.

At first I was the slightest bit uneasy when they forgot about her. I wasn't sure if the whole episode would be a bout of angst while they try to remember, until the very end when they call out her name and it's over, or something equally last-minute. Instead, their forgetfulness is only temporary. And this is the kicker for me: Nagisa remembers first! Just barely, and with promptings from the old man (...damn he was suspicious by the end, unless it's just a joking reference to his faked "forgetfulness"), but first anyway.

The moment when they remember is great. As soon as Nagisa remembers her name, it's like Fuuko pops into existence between them. But she was always there. Throughout the day, she followed them, as the two most important people in her current world treated her only as a vague nagging recollection. Gah, how painful that must be. Unable to reach out and grab them, unable to speak up and wave her arms and get their attention, she can only walk between them, silent, hoping.

As petty as it might sound, I was going to be miffed if Tomoya remembered her first. From the moment they woke up, I wanted to hear the words "Fuu-chan" come from Nagisa's lips. Every scene, every line, I wanted her to say the name first. It's definitely not that I don't like Tomoya (see below), it's just that as Tomoya said, next to Fuuko's sister, nobody loved Fuuko as much as Nagisa. Nobody spent as much time or exerted so much effort or invested as many tears and emotions into Fuuko. Every time Nagisa protectively embraced Fuuko, I just wanted to fucking die because I couldn't imagine it getting any better than that. Until the next time she did it, I mean. Nagisa may be an only child, but god damn I love her in the big sister role.

And Nagisa's intimate involvement is one thing I hope we don't lose in upcoming arcs. This was not "The story of Tomoya and Girl #1", it was just as much Nagisa and Fuuko's arc as Tomoya and Fuuko's. We just happen to see it told from Tomoya's perspective most of the time. And Fuuko was the cause that drove Nagisa and Tomoya closer together, making it a very good choice for the first arc. I guess it's hard to visualize how Nagisa might get as deeply involved with Kyou or Tomoyo as she was with Fuuko, though perhaps it wouldn't be so strange with Kotomi, especially since the preview indicates they get her into acting. But either way, right now Nagisa is being treated as an equal in importance to the story, and I hope that continues.

I'm really impressed with Tomoya so far, and feel that he may be the best KeyAni male lead. I really liked Yukito in Air, but Yuuichi in Kanon (KyoAni's version only!) was fantastic. He had the sarcastic exterior/heart of gold shtick down to a science. It's something that appeals to me as a sort of male version of tsundere... if that makes any sense? Still, I think Tomoya is, at this point, even better. He feels... a bit more vulnerable. Yuuichi had his own baggage, certainly, but I feel like Tomoya's issues are more immediate, and not so tied to the girls he meets. Yuuichi's problem, as is common for most male leads in this sort of show, was remembering something important he forgot. But Tomoya remembers perfectly well, and is still living with it. Tomoya is less able to laugh things off, more up front with his emotions (though neither one wears their heart on their sleeve, certainly), and less confident around others. And I mean these all in good ways, because they're humanizing him even better than Yuuichi, who I already consider one of the best male characters ever.

I particularly love any scene where he gets uncomfortable around Nagisa. Tomoya has razor sharp wit an a really good ability to communicate with new people for someone who supposedly hates everything so much, but put him in an awkward situation with Nagisa and he'll blush almost as much as she will. For some reason, I can respect that. It also makes me all the more excited about what a Nagisa arc will bring. Unlike many Key girls, she seems... very much normal. Ok, stop laughing, I know she's a bit sickly and lacking social skills, but I just can't imagine there being anything supernatural about her or her situation. But hey, this is Key, I can never accume such things.

Speaking of, holy shit, did Fuuko set them up or what? She confronts them about not calling each other by their given name even though they're so close. After some stalling, Tomoya does it, though Nagisa isn't quite prepared yet and Tomoya can't bring himself to add -chan. Fuuko knows damn what is coming and wants to nudge them in the right direction as much as she can. Then she suddenly gives them both a kiss on the cheek, and, well, <3 <3 <3

And so Clannad is (as the name indicates), continuing the theme of family, and of love and emotions of all kinds. Compare this to the slew of harem chicks throwing themselves at the guy with nothing but lust or romantic feelings in their minds (not that this is inherently at all bad... see Goshuushou-sama Ninomiya-kun for a great current example). Kanon, Air, Clannad... no matter how many girls there are, they fit no meaningful definition of "harem anime", because that's not the kind of story Key is trying to tell. Some girls might like the main character, but they're even more likely to like someone else, or be worried about a family member, or a friend, or just have some lingering last regret. And I feel like that adds flexibility and depth to their stories, as the adaptations by KyoAni have amply shown. No need to throw in a token awkward romantic scene between the guy and every girl, just set up and develop each girl's story in the way most appropriate.

And it's that approach that gives us one of the most wonderful visuals of Clannad so far: Nagisa and Tomoyo on either side of Fuuko, holding her hands, with the camera behind them. There's love here alright, but it's a love they all share in together, without jealousy or a "choose the girl" element. Not exclusive love (I love you more than/instead of her), but inclusive love (we love you, you love us).

Right now, Clannad ranks ahead of Kanon on first arcs alone. I really liked Kanon's first arc, but I think Fuuko has it beat. Kanon picked up more and more momentum as it went on though, so we'll see how Clannad's other arcs hold up to Fuuko's. But I've already written as much as I might for the final episode of a really good show, and even though that's largely because I'm spending a lot of time finalizing my overall early impressions, we have four more girls to go through and that makes me so happy. I'll be interested in seeing how they pace it. For various reasons in Kanon, a relatively short amount of time was left with two girls to go, but anyone who saw that show knows how incredibly well (and logically) they handled that. But I don't see similarly obvious relationships between Nagisa and the other girls in Clannad (yet), so it'll be interesting. It's worth noting, I guess, that if Clannad is 24 eps like Kanon (no internet connection as I write this, can't go confirm) we're one episode ahead in terms of ending the first arc. If Clannad is 25 or 26, then we're 2 or 3 episodes ahead total. I think they'll be able to have four more largely separate arcs and pace them just fine.

It looks like Kotomi is next. That does away with my theory that the arcs would follow the reverse order of how the girls are introduced in the OP (otherwise, it'd be Tomoyo). I've found Kotomi amusing and eccentric so far, and so I'm more than a little interested to see what she's like at a more meaningful level.

Edit: Ok, so I wrote more than every previous post on the episode combined and multiplied by a factor of like 5, without even doing a detailed blow by blow rundown of the ep (as I figured it would be old news by the time I got to post). Should I be seeking help? >_>

something

12-03-2007, 09:56 AM

"Omedetou!" could have easily been the new "Goal!", but KeyAni has left everything up in the air. She's gone, but at the same time, there's a chance that one day she'll come back.
Since this is the first arc, this should be expected. I definitely think we'll see an awakened Fuuko, even if only at the very end. I'm glad they didn't try to wrap it up immediately, either by having her wake up before the ep ended (too soon!) or have her die right then and there (gah, depressing!)

Fudce

12-03-2007, 10:40 AM

Edit: Ok, so I wrote more than every previous post on the episode combined and multiplied by a factor of like 5, without even doing a detailed blow by blow rundown of the ep (as I figured it would be old news by the time I got to post). Should I be seeking help? >_>
Welcome to the land of the gush. :)

something

12-03-2007, 12:35 PM

Welcome to the land of the gush. :)
Heh, I've been here for a long time... it's why I'm always behind on my anime watching ::shakes fist::

stfram

12-03-2007, 03:08 PM

I'm glad they didn't try to wrap it up immediately, either by having her wake up before the ep ended (too soon!) or have her die right then and there (gah, depressing!)

I love the ending of episode nine.

Killing her off was my worst fear, and it took a couple of days of mental prep to finally sit down and watch it, as I feared the worst.

What an amazingly wonderful ending. Yeah, she's still in a coma, but we're all happy, dammit! :D

You feel just like the characters did at the end; at peace, ready to greet Fuu-chan when she comes back, as everyone knows she will.

HitokiriShadow

12-03-2007, 03:50 PM

In fact, I now like Clannad even better than before. And rewatching these episodes reinforced how beautiful the Fuuko arc is. So now, let's bring it to a close...

I didn't rewatch the whole arc, but I've been rewatching each episode as it comes out in widescreen. This is something I never do. I usually watch each episode once (barring needing to rewatch an episode due to shitty translators) and then rewatch the whole series at least a year later, usually much longer if ever. The fact that I'm rewatching each episode three weeks later is a testament to how amazing Clannad is (for me).

Nagisa may be an only child, but god damn I love her in the big sister role.

Being an only child, it may be that she's always wanted a younger sibling and was able to act out that desire and love with Fuuko. Or maybe Nagisa's arc will reveal that she used to have a younger sister that died and that was a reason, but there is zero evidence for something like that at this point.

And Nagisa's intimate involvement is one thing I hope we don't lose in upcoming arcs. This was not "The story of Tomoya and Girl #1", it was just as much Nagisa and Fuuko's arc as Tomoya and Fuuko's. We just happen to see it told from Tomoya's perspective most of the time. And Fuuko was the cause that drove Nagisa and Tomoya closer together, making it a very good choice for the first arc. I guess it's hard to visualize how Nagisa might get as deeply involved with Kyou or Tomoyo as she was with Fuuko, though perhaps it wouldn't be so strange with Kotomi, especially since the preview indicates they get her into acting. But either way, right now Nagisa is being treated as an equal in importance to the story, and I hope that continues.

This is an interesting twist on the typical "harem" story dynamic, and I really like it.

I'm really impressed with Tomoya so far, and feel that he may be the best KeyAni male lead. I really liked Yukito in Air, but Yuuichi in Kanon (KyoAni's version only!) was fantastic.

While I was more or less indifferent to Akito, I agree that Yuuichi was great and that Tomoya is the best yet. Yuuichi was sarcastic, but Tomoya is just as sarcastic and much more of a prankster. And he has more of his own story than the previous two did.

But I don't see similarly obvious relationships between Nagisa and the other girls in Clannad (yet), so it'll be interesting.

If they were going to mix arcs (so to speak), Kyou seems most likely since she and Ryou are the ones most familiar with Tomoya at the beginning of the story. But that's still a stretch, I think.

It's worth noting, I guess, that if Clannad is 24 eps like Kanon (no internet connection as I write this, can't go confirm) we're one episode ahead in terms of ending the first arc. If Clannad is 25 or 26, then we're 2 or 3 episodes ahead total. I think they'll be able to have four more largely separate arcs and pace them just fine.

Yes, assuming its 24 episodes, we have 15 episodes to focus on the remaining 4 girls. That's 4 episodes for three of them and three for one other, though they could mix some of them together a bit (we've already gotten some hints in regards to Tomoyo, for example).

Edit: Ok, so I wrote more than every previous post on the episode combined and multiplied by a factor of like 5, without even doing a detailed blow by blow rundown of the ep (as I figured it would be old news by the time I got to post). Should I be seeking help? >_>[/quote]

You're fine. Your post is still shorter than the average Reimu Night Wizard post.

something

12-03-2007, 04:02 PM

Or maybe Nagisa's arc will reveal that she used to have a younger sister that died and that was a reason, but there is zero evidence for something like that at this point.
Heh, I was thinking there might be something like that too, but as you said, no evidence. [Note to those who played the game: this is not an invitation to spoil. Say anything and I kill you. Thanks.]

If they were going to mix arcs (so to speak), Kyou seems most likely since she and Ryou are the ones most familiar with Tomoya at the beginning of the story. But that's still a stretch, I think.
And by far the most familiar with Nagisa as well, what with the Ryou-Nagisa scene, giving advice to Nagisa about the club, and taking part in the "class" for Fuuko. Though at this point Clannad doesn't have a figure like Nayuki, who influenced and was influenced by a number of the other girls. Nagisa and Fuuko are closer than any two Key "main" girls I can think of, so I hope that didn't eat up Nagisa's allotment of "being close to the other girls-ness".

You're fine. Your post is still shorter than the average Reimu Night Wizard post.
He's just become a prisoner of his own precedent now. I'm imagining Anzelotte standing behind him with a whip making him transcribe every line and movement. I'm also imagining him really enjoying it.

something

12-07-2007, 09:36 PM

Episode 10:

- The girl and the machine return. They're in a field, and strange lights are dancing around. The girl doesn't think they're strange, but the boy in the mechanical body does. The girl remarks that if that's unfamiliar to him, that must mean there are things that are familiar to him somewhere. This jogs his memory. He doesn't know if it's another world or the distant past, but he feels a connection to... something.
- Also, this the first the time girl has talked this much, I don't think she said more than a word or two before if that.
- Things are back to normal. Nagisa waits for Tomoya on the way to school, Kyou runs Tomoya over, the usual. Kyou also makes note of the fact that Tomoya calls Nagisa by her given name, and asks if they're dating. Cute denials follow, but then Tomoya does wonder when he started calling her "Nagisa". Suddenly they're both overcome with a flash of warmth, and a blurry image... Fuuko, you are not forgotten! You will return! I can feel it~~~
- Youhei, tempted by Tomoya with descriptions of a beautiful girl in the library, runs in to check her out. When she completely ignores him, he flips out. And when he finds out that she's the Ichinose Kotomi, he gives up.
- Tomoya manages to get Kotomi out of the library and in front of Nagisa. What follows is an epic conversation of random.... epicness. We also find out... Kotomi loves the Dango Daikacoku too. HOLY SHIT NAGISA x KOTOMI NOW.
- They part for the day, and Tomoya walks Kotomi back. Kotomi really likes Nagisa, and asks if she's Tomoya's girlfriend. He gikus and denies it again, but she switches topics anyway (as she always does) and they wind up in a bookstore. She goes into one of her trances again, and almost cuts a page out. Seems to be a habit of hers when she reads something interesting.
- Second part.
- Tomoya is determined to get her to socialize more, because right now she really doesn't know how to deal with people. Now that she's met Nagisa, he tries Kyou. It doesn't go as smoothly as with Nagisa :sd:
- "Ijimeru? Ijimeru?" <3 Kotomi. Kyou won't bully you, but she might be a bit intense for you at the moment. And now Kyou thinks Tomoya is two-timing Nagisa. Or maybe she's saying that Nagisa and Kotomi are both competition for Ryou?
- Kotomi... just... said... nandeyanen. I died from moe.
- Tomoya tries something a bit easier this time. Ryou! She tells Kotomi's fortune, but straight up says it's bad and she won't make friends. Kotomi starts to tear up and walk away, but Tomoya stops her. Ryou says that fortune telling can fail, and a lot depends on you... then she agrees to be Kotomi's friend. Yay!
- Tomoyo in bear suit is next. Kotomi delivers the introduction Tomoya taught her, and asks if bearsuit will become her friend. Bearsuit nods... and Kotomi glomps her. She likes bears, clearly. Sweet moe jesus this was cute.
- Kotomi introduces herself to the lunch lady as well. :sd: The lunch lady mentions Kotomi's parents, apparently famous scholars. The mention of them makes Kotomi uncomfortable though.
- OH MY WHAT THE HOLY OH GOD FUCK YES! While Tomoya is talking to Kotomi, Kyou totally blindsides her with a hug, and petting, and oh my god just shift your torso a little, Kotomi, and we have symmetrical docking. THIS IS EPIC.
- Though her intention was to get Tomoya to take them somewhere fun... and pick up the tab :sd:
- Kyou, Ryou, Tomoya, Kotomi and Nagisa wind up in the theater club room instead. And Kyou leans over to Ryou and whispers, "I made this opportunity for you, take the next step forward!" ...Wait, an opportunity for Ryou and who? Tomoya... or Nagisa? =D Well, sadly I know it's probably Tomoya but I can dream.
- All the girls introduce themselves, and Tomoya gets a kick to the head. He tells Kotomi to remember Kyou's expert tsukkomi :sd:
- Ryou, Kotomi and Nagisa really hit it off. Kyou sees how happy Ryou is, and just resigns herself to keeping the trio of weirdos company.

Suddenly Kotomi hears a violin, and rushes to the music room. She stares, and the girl lets her borrow the violin. She expertly places it and lifts the bow...

And then unleashes acoustic hell upon the unsuspecting crowd. Clearly, her genius does not extend to musical instruments. Not yet anyway... we see her playing one in the OP, so I expect she'll master it in short order.

Awesome, awesome "true" introduction for Kotomi. Her arc is going to be a boatload of fun, that's for damn sure. Oh, and a mysterious looking man is seen at the very end. Her father?

mk2000

12-07-2007, 10:34 PM

I suspected but didn't know but I guess that girl at the beginning is Nagisa.

And yes, Kyou + Kotomi = My Wallpaper FOREVER
(Funny how Kyou can smell the fear :evil: )

Also, just noticed how there's bountiful blue/purple haired goddesses in this show. Can't go wrong there.

Funny, in most other gal game/gal visual novels, the girls all get together yet are not necessarily that close (they mainly congregate around the male lead) so I love the fact that the Clannad girls are SOOO affectionate with each other.

Maybe this is reflective of some of the continuing western influences in Japanese society...Regardless, pure win. A smile on my face every time.

something

12-07-2007, 11:11 PM

I suspected but didn't know but I guess that girl at the beginning is Nagisa.
I'm not speculating too much on this, primarily because I don't want the game players to come in thinking they're being invited to horribly spoil everyone. I'll put aside my thoughts on the girl and the robot until we have a lot more information from the show to go on.

And yes, Kyou + Kotomi = My Wallpaper FOREVER
(Funny how Kyou can smell the fear :evil: )
They're also helping set up a little bit of Kyou in the background it seems, much like they did with Tomoyo in Fuuko's arc. Next episode we have Kyou and Tomoya alone in unknown circumstances. This is really the best way to deal with the "girl at a time" structure. Each girl gets an arc, yes, but the hints get dropped before (and they still play some role after if possible) for the others, and by the time their "turn" comes up, we already feel like we

Funny, in most other gal game/gal visual novels, the girls all get together yet are not necessarily that close (they mainly congregate around the male lead) so I love the fact that the Clannad girls are SOOO affectionate with each other.
Clannad is an incredibly balanced show in that respect. Tomoya still gets a lot of time in the spotlight and helps bring the girls into the wider circle of friends, but the girls are strong, interesting characters in their own right, every bit as capable of advancing the story and developing the other girls as Tomoya is.

I think it goes back to what I said earlier about how Clannad is simply not a harem show. I mean, who is romantically interested in Tomoya? So far, only Nagisa. We're getting hints that Ryou might be, but she's not one of the main characters so if she does have feelings for him, we'll likely encounter it through the filter of a Kyou arc.

So Fuuko's story revolved around her sister. Kotomi's will involve her parents. Tomoyo's we're unsure of, but since she's pushing a wheelchair in the OP, it's likely some sick relative. Kyou's is completely up in the air, and I'm sure she has some feelings for Tomoya, but I have a feeling her story will revolve around something else as well. And Nagisa is up in the air even more so. Undoubtedly it'll revolve significantly around her relationship with Tomoya, but there are a lot of other interesting things (the kid in the field, the girl and the robot) that might presumably be related to her in some way. Whatever that way is, we'll find out eventually.

When you don't have a million girls all clamoring for the lead's love/penis, it's a lot easier for them to interact as friends, not as potential rivals. And it's proving to be amazing so far.

HitokiriShadow

12-08-2007, 12:43 AM

Ahahaha, Kotomi is such a nutcase. But she's an incredibly lovable nutcase. And a nutcase with an incredibly sexy voice.

And Kyou x Kotomi is EPIC WIN. Actually, I've come to the conclusiong that Kyou x just about anyone female is epic win. Kyou x Kotomi? Check, in this episode. Kyou x Tomoyo? Hell yes, that would be awesome. Kyou x Ryou? Twincest is hot. Kyou x Nagisa? Lower on the list, but still hot. Kyou x Fuuko? ... Er, not so sure on that one. Given Fuuko's physique and maturity level, I'm hesitant to pair her up with anyone.

houkoholic

12-08-2007, 01:17 AM

I think it goes back to what I said earlier about how Clannad is simply not a harem show.

After Kanon and beginning with AIR, none of the Key works are harem/romance in nature simply because they started making games which has its themes focuses outside of a pure male/female romance setup. AIR is mother/child, Clannad is family, and Little Busters! is friendship.

HitokiriShadow

12-08-2007, 01:26 AM

I suggest taking out that second half of your post. something hates stuff like this and so do I. It's nothing too bad and I've had suspicions myself, but we don't need people familiar with the material confirming it for those for us before the show does. While I've had my suspicions, there is nothing stopping them from doing something different. And we definitely didn't need to know (or be given hints to) the nature of the conflict between them.

In other words, delete or at least tag it, and let us speculate amongst ourselves without interference from those who know the answers. Don't spoil our fun.

something

12-08-2007, 01:43 AM

I suggest taking out that second half of your post. something hates stuff like this and so do I. It's nothing too bad and I've had suspicions myself, but we don't need people familiar with the material confirming it for those for us before the show does.
Especially since I repeatedly, forcefully, vehemently asked IN THIS VERY THREAD (and mentioned just in this very SUBTHREAD as well) that people who have any knowledge about how things went just please please please keep their mouths shut.

I've come to the conclusion that one some people know something, they're physically incapable of keeping quiet, even when directly asked to do so. Because the only other conclusion I can come to is that they do it on purpose, and I'd like to give most people more credit than that.

I'll say this one more time, as bluntly as possible, because being nice about it never got me anywhere:

If anyone reading this thread is at all familiar with how things go in the game, to any extent, I DO NOT WANT TO HEAR WHAT YOU KNOW. Ever. Not even in the slightest. I do not care that you're familiar with the source material. I am not interested in your knowledge, and I do not want you to share it. I don't care if you think it's major, minor, or utterly insignificant. You may not (hell, almost certainly do not) mean any harm, you may be honestly and genuinely trying to help, you may think I'll be interested or appreciative or what have you, but this is not the case and never ever will be.

If it's absolutely beyond your abilities to not say anything, use spoiler tags, and mark boldly and explicitly that it's game related. Though ideally, it just would not be brought up at all. Or would be held until the anime is done, or would be brought up in a thread that is about the medium (novel, manga, game, etc) the comments address. If they haven't been animated yet, they do not exist for the purposes of this thread.

If I wanted you to talk about something that has not been animated, I would ask. I would explicitly ask, and I would explicitly say I'm looking for spoilers. And I would request the information via PM, so as not to impose the effects of my curiosity on everyone else in the thread. Or I'd justfuckinggoogleit myself.

I'm tempted once again to make something like this my sig, but I imagine it'll have about as much effect as the dozens of posts like this I've made over the years: absolutely none.

I hate doing this because it inevitably seems like I'm calling one particular person out, or that I have a specific problem with that person, but that is not the case. And it applies equally to people who pull the same things when a show is licensed in R1 and they've seen the fansubs so it's not exclusive to this kind of situation. It's no more acceptable when done to them.

But it is my #1 pet peeve, and I know I am far from alone.

Sigh.

Shiroi Hane

12-09-2007, 05:40 PM

Tomoyo's we're unsure of, but since she's pushing a wheelchair in the OP, it's likely some sick relative.
Or Sunohara :P

Westlo

12-14-2007, 08:10 AM

Started on the track to catching up with this show by watching 5-6. Sanae has cemented herself as my favorite Key Mom character (sorry Akiko, you're still the hottest Key mom) in these 2 episodes.

Nagisa was just so fucking moe in episode 5 when Fuuko's sister asked if Tomoya was her boyfriend.

I particularly liked the last few minutes of this episode and the musical piece that played.

That musical piece is called "To the Same Heights" and it's one of my favorites from the Clannad OST.

stfram

12-14-2007, 04:52 PM

Only thing I have to really say...

Violin Recital FTW!

I laughed until I cried!

EmperorBrandon

12-14-2007, 09:14 PM

Only thing I have to really say...

Violin Recital FTW!

I laughed until I cried!

Heh, that and Tomoya's crazy dream sequence and several other things... This was quite an interesting episode for me and laughed several times. I think I'm liking Kotomi a good bit so far. She's pretty cute, though as Akio says "Not as cute as our daughter."

something

12-14-2007, 09:52 PM

Episode 11:

- "Don't 'hello' me like that!" "...Gokigenyou?" | "Don't hello me!" "Boujour? ...Bo-n-jo-uuu-r?" Kotomi is love. She's still at it with the violin, and she's bringing the whole school to its knees. She tells Kyou that the music club lent her the violin. She's about the start her next piece when Kyou tackles her. XD
- After the OP, Tomoya heads to the club room. Kotomi greets him with a "Oh, if it isn't Tomoya-kun!" said a strange way. He stares, and she looks sad, and asks if it wasn't funny. Aww. Kotomi-chan, ganbarimasu!
- She tries a few more times when Ryou and Nagisa arrive, while practicing some her nandeyanens.
- Ryou, Nagisa and Kotomi open up one of the many boxes in the club room and find some costumes, including a magical girl wand. I so do love this trio. Tomoya and Kyou sit nearby and watch. Kotomi takes the magic wand and recites some lines (note says it's something Lovecraftian). Nagisa compliments her on her delivery.
- Tomoya tells Kyou she should go join in the conversation, and she asks him if he can seriously see her waving a magical wand around. And because Tomoya has the greatest imagination in the history of the universe, we get a mahou shoujo Kyou henshin scene =D Utterly epic.
- Ryou and Nagisa are brave. The conversation drifts back to the violin again, and in an attempt to get her to stop, Kyou tells her they'll hold a recital the day after tomorrow. Kotomi goes off to practice, and Nagisa and Ryou are crazy enough to keep her company. Tomoya is about to join them when Kyou pulls him back down and makes him stay with her. She tells him she wants Kotomi to get used to being with others more, rather than always relying on him.
- Kyou... makes something of a move. Whether for Ryou or for herself or intended to be for Ryou but really for herself, she asks Tomoya if he would date a girl if she were head over heels in love with him. He's understandably surprised. I think for now it's definitely about Ryou ("Even girls with good grades"), but we'll see how long that lasts.
- It's Sunday, and home is the last place Tomoya wants to be. He finds (or, hears...) Kotomi at school. She tries a pun on him and he shoots it down immediately. What a bully =P
- She unveils her bento for the day - an apple pie. Tomoya tells her it's amazing. She seems incredibly happy. Barefoot, she goes to the window and opens it. Sakura blossoms drift in, her hair floats in the breeze. She looks at him and says she saw a rabbit. Then a deer. And today, Tomoya. ...Ok I have no idea what she's talking about but she looks fucking stunning while doing it.
- Second part.
- Kotomi wiggles in her seat somewhat nervously. "Tomoya-kun... if it's okay with you... can we... together..." ::by this point Tomoya's heart is probably about to explode:: "...read a book together?" Heh, he looks disappointed.
- He says maybe she should just read him a book instead, because he likes her voice and he likes watching her read. But he soon dozes off, and his dream... his dream... Well, just see for yourselves :sd: Wow.
- Kyou has Nagisa make up a poster for Kotomi's recital, with predictable results. I'm still wondering what exactly Kyou plans for this to achieve :sd:
- There's a decent crowd. Some were invited by Tomoya et al and came in blissful ignorance. But it looks like the majority were coerced into it by Kyou, who is hanging all sorts of minor rule infractions over their heads as blackmail.
- Misae-san, the dorm mother, is there as well. And suddenly we get a tasty little tidbit with Tomoyo. She approaches Misae with her most politely earnest expression (and blushing slightly), and all but begs her to impart her knowledge as a former Student Council president. And she confirms what we figured from earlier: Tomoyo is running for that position herself. She seems... really earnest and excited about this. Damn I can't wait for a Tomoyo arc.
- Even Sanae and Akio are there. This is turning into quite the production. It also turns out that Kyou was forcing attendees to buy ear plugs. She's making a pretty penny off of this. She's a ruthless woman :sd:
- I *almost* thought they'd hit us with her suddenly being skilled, especially after Nagisa said she improved and Tomoya didn't believe her. But, well, not so much =P She brings the entire audience to their knees, and the casualties mount. Even the animals suffer. It's notable that it's said she did better in the latter songs, but we didn't see it. Just how much better were they? And just how much better was she doing in practice with Ryou and Nagisa just before that? I predict epic violin beauty by the end of her arc. It will join "God Knows..." and Kanon's dancing scene!

But the real highlight of the episode for me came after all that.

Kyou and Ryou talk about how they just can't help but want to do things for Kotomi. In some ways she sets off their maternal instincts.

Nagisa and Kotomi are walking together farther ahead, when suddenly the man we saw before approaches them. We see it from a distance, where Tomoya is. Kotomi recoils from the man, and when he goes after her, Nagisa grabs him around the torso and keeps him away from her. I mean, holy shit, he's like two feet taller than her, and she doesn't hesitate at all. Fuck I love Nagisa so much.

Tomoya runs over and pushes the man away from Nagisa, Ryou steps in front of Kotomi and shields her, Tomoya takes a position between Ryou and the man, and then Kyou tops it off by standing in front of Tomoya and demanding to know what the guy wants. He says he'll come back another day and leaves. They ask Kotomi who he is, and she merely says "the bad guy".

It's incredible to see how protective they are of Kotomi. They all spring into action and put themselves in (for all they know) harm's way for her, without hesitation. Naisa, Tomoya, Ryou, Kyou, all standing up for her. God that was amazing to watch.

And it just reinforces the absolute best thing about Clannad so far, the feature I've praised multiple times now. And that's getting the girls involved not just with the lead, but with each other. We didn't get Tomoya bursting in all alone like Rambo and protecting Kotomi while the girls just squeal and whimper. Instead they act as equals, and it adds layers and layers of depth to the show and to each of them, and as they deepen in complexity together, the effect is greater than the sum of its parts and THIS IS WHY I LOVE CLANNAD~!

mk2000

12-14-2007, 10:45 PM

Always enjoy your summary posts!

I thought they had skimped a little here and there in the past few episodes and now I know where that saved money went. There were some pretty freaking good animation sequences in this episode :notworthy: :
Kotomi's drifting sakura, flowing hair scene.
Kyou's maho henshin scene
Tomoya's Dream Sequence
A small but beautiful Sunset over the mountain sequence at minute 20:55

If I didn't know about how busy they are I would say that KyoAni really should have a movie project. Those guys would own the animation world.

Kotomi's "Bo-n-jour?"...total win :beat:

Oh, I noticed that Tomoko Kawakami (Misuzu from Air) is credited as Girl in ANN's Ency. Anybody know which episode or what girl?

EmperorBrandon

12-14-2007, 10:50 PM

Oh, I noticed that Tomoko Kawakami (Misuzu from Air) is credited as Girl in ANN's Ency. Anybody know which episode or what girl?

She's the girl with the junk robot thing that's appeared a few times.

Fencedude

12-14-2007, 10:54 PM

Amazing, amazing episode.

I still can't believe that after Minami-ke, the show this season that gets the most laughs from me is Clannad, and yet it is still capable of bringing the most incredible drama and emotion to scenes.

I do hope Nagisa/Ryou/Kotomi stays as a semi-permanent trio after Kotomi's arc ends.

HitokiriShadow

12-14-2007, 10:54 PM

- Kyou... makes something of a move. Whether for Ryou or for herself or intended to be for Ryou but really for herself, she asks Tomoya if he would date a girl if she were head over heels in love with him. He's understandably surprised. I think for now it's definitely about Ryou ("Even girls with good grades"), but we'll see how long that lasts.

But was there ever anything that said Kyou wasn't a good student? Based on her behavior, I couldn't quite tell whether it was for Ryou or herself at the time.

In other news..

Oh god, Kotomi is such a nutcase, but you can't just help but lover her for it. And in addition, we get to see more of Kyou being awesome (coercing everyone and profiting from it) and Tomoyo being cute.

mk2000

12-14-2007, 11:05 PM

Oh, I noticed that Tomoko Kawakami (Misuzu from Air) is credited as Girl in ANN's Ency. Anybody know which episode or what girl?

She's the girl with the junk robot thing that's appeared a few times.

Really?! I thought that was Nagisa's VA. I guess I'm wrong. :blush:

HitokiriShadow

12-14-2007, 11:06 PM

Nagisa is voiced my Mai Nakahara. I would have laughed so hard if Nagisa pulled out a billhook to defend Kotomi.

mk2000

12-14-2007, 11:09 PM

Nagisa is voiced my Mai Nakahara. I would have laughed so hard if Nagisa pulled out a billhook to defend Kotomi.

Yup, Mai "Girl-Girl" Nakahara :neko:

EmperorBrandon

12-14-2007, 11:09 PM

Yeah, Tomoko Kawakami was credited in the episodes where that girls speaks as 少女 (shoujo), so I just entered her as "Girl" in ANN.

Fencedude

12-14-2007, 11:11 PM

Nagisa is voiced my Mai Nakahara. I would have laughed so hard if Nagisa pulled out a billhook to defend Kotomi.

Mai Nakahara's doing all sorts of interesting things this season.

(see also: Hoshino Asami from M;Y...)

EmperorBrandon

12-14-2007, 11:16 PM

I still can't believe that after Minami-ke, the show this season that gets the most laughs from me is Clannad, and yet it is still capable of bringing the most incredible drama and emotion to scenes.

It shows how well KyoAni uses their beautiful animation for the sake as humor as well as drama. Things like this episode definitely reinforce my love of this series, and it's only almost half done. I can see this one being one of my favorites of their titles (with MoHS)

Suwako Moriya

12-14-2007, 11:50 PM

Awesome, awesome "true" introduction for Kotomi.

Which I'm glad for because of ever since I first saw the lovely girl, I was hoping to get to know her better. Now that I do thanks to this episode I love her even more. She's just wow in so many ways. I especially like her hair. Yeah so I'm a bit behind.

something

12-14-2007, 11:57 PM

I still can't believe that after Minami-ke, the show this season that gets the most laughs from me is Clannad, and yet it is still capable of bringing the most incredible drama and emotion to scenes.
I'm drawing a blank here, but that may very well be how it is for me as well. Clannad is incredibly funny, and in a show you wouldn't expect it from.

I do hope Nagisa/Ryou/Kotomi stays as a semi-permanent trio after Kotomi's arc ends.
Absolutely. I suppose it all depends on what happens to Kotomi. But I can't see the supernatural having anything to do with her arc, so she ought to stick around (unless she goes overseas for school, or something...)

And since Ryou won't have an arc, there's no reason to expect anything horribly drastic to happen to her, so she should be around.

And we KNOW Nagisa will be around until at least the last episode.

So the trio will hopefully keep together, unless Ryou and Kyou realize that the *real* rival is Nagisa, not Fuuko or Kotomi. Some interesting things could happen between Ryou and Nagisa (sadly not in the way I want to mean that...) at that point, but since Ryou doesn't have an arc I think it would be handled as a substory in a Kyou arc. Or something.

something

12-15-2007, 12:03 AM

But was there ever anything that said Kyou wasn't a good student? Based on her behavior, I couldn't quite tell whether it was for Ryou or herself at the time.
No, but we do know Ryou is. That's why I left a little ambivalence. At this point, Kyou is definitely helping Ryou out, but deep down inside, she's going to be feeling something.

Oh god, Kotomi is such a nutcase, but you can't just help but lover her for it. And in addition, we get to see more of Kyou being awesome (coercing everyone and profiting from it) and Tomoyo being cute.
Even if Kotomi's arc doesn't end up having the raw emotional power of Fuuko's (it certainly may, of course), it doesn't give anything up in terms of humor. And while Fuuko had Nagisa and Tomoya involved equally, with Kotomi we're getting a lot of Kyou and Ryou as well. We're losing some Sunohara, even though he became prominent in Fuuko's arc (and with his Tomoyo battles), but as much as I like him, I'll trade him for the Fujibayashi sisters any day.

And Tomoyo continues not to connect directly to any ongoing arcs, but still pop in long enough to do something cute and/or awesome.

The way they're balancing the girls and making sure they all grow continuously (rather than in isolated bursts within their arcs) not only will enhance the individual girl's arc when it happens, it also enriches the arcs going on for other girls.

HitokiriShadow

12-15-2007, 12:32 AM

And since Ryou won't have an arc, there's no reason to expect anything horribly drastic to happen to her, so she should be around.

Er, no reason? Past experience says that just because it isn't "their" story/route doesn't mean something can't happen to them. (Air and Kanon spoilers) Michiru and Sayori being prime examples And even if they are still around, that doesn't mean they actually show up. (more spoilers) *cough*Amano*cough*

something

12-15-2007, 02:37 AM

Er, no reason?
In the context of Clannad (not in the context of some other show), given what we've seen so far, I'd say so. Obviously, anything can happen, and it would be dumb to completely ignore that, but I'd be really, really surprised if anything particularly drastic went down with Ryou that took her out of the story.

KomoriKiri

12-15-2007, 04:55 PM

Episode 11:
- Ryou, Nagisa and Kotomi open up one of the many boxes in the club room and find some costumes, including a magical girl wand. I so do love this trio. Tomoya and Kyou sit nearby and watch. Kotomi takes the magic wand and recites some lines (note says it's something Lovecraftian). Nagisa compliments her on her delivery.

I'm not in the same boat as most people posting in this thread, since these kind of shows aren't usually my thing. This one isn't an exception, and if it wasn't for Kotomi showing up early on, I almost certainly wouldn't have stuck around this long. As it was I was getting fed up with how long Fuuko's arc was drawn out.

But this is why I stuck with it. I've got a soft spot for bookworms to start with. And here we find out that not only does she read about string theory, she memorizes chants from Lovecraft. Why weren't there any girls like this around when I was in high school? *sigh*

Anyway, Kotomi's arc is pretty much the only reason I'm watching this show. I hope they don't short change her.

Wraith
"There is no great genius without some touch of madness."
-- Seneca

StudioZEL

12-17-2007, 07:09 PM

This is the cutest angry shot I've ever seen!

Kyou gets ANGRY!! :3 (http://randomc.animeblogger.net/image/CLANNAD/CLANNAD%20-%2011%20-%20Large%2007.jpg)

HitokiriShadow

12-17-2007, 08:39 PM

Those eyes reminded me of Touka from Utawarerumono.

Fencedude

12-18-2007, 02:08 AM

I have been informed that there is interesting things to note in the title screens for each episode.

Here are the relevant screens (http://www.fencedude.com/Images/Orbs.jpg)

I certainly find it interesting, and I would very much like for people NOT to spoil what it means. I'm throwing it out for the speculators to pick at.

Again, if you know what this means KEEP YOUR MOUTH AND KEYBOARD SHUT on the issue.

Understand? DO. NOT. TALK. ABOUT. IT.

12-18-2007, 11:19 AM

So we go from no blue orbs, to one and then two. Kotomi's story focus began on episode 10 where the second orb appears so at it's simplest it's just a counter for the story arcs.

Suwako Moriya

12-18-2007, 12:00 PM

So we go from no blue orbs, to one and then two. Kotomi's story focus began on episode 10 where the second orb appears so at it's simplest it's just a counter for the story arcs.

Heh to be honest if this hadn't been pointed out, I'd probably have over looked it. Mainly because I wouldn't see the need to pause and compare titles. Also yeah yeah I'll get around to 11 sometime later.

HitokiriShadow

12-18-2007, 03:27 PM

So we go from no blue orbs, to one and then two. Kotomi's story focus began on episode 10 where the second orb appears so at it's simplest it's just a counter for the story arcs.

That's what I was thinking, but if that's the case, episode 6 should have an orb as well since they were well into Fuuko's arc, but there are no orbs there.

12-19-2007, 12:17 AM

The only other thought was that it somehow marked progress between Tomoya and Nagisa in some way, but I can't see anything specific in it.

mk2000

12-20-2007, 07:05 PM

OMFG!! The most beautiful 1 minute and 36 seconds ever!

Fuuko..."you're like Gandalf the White resurrected from the pit of the Balrog. More beautiful than ever. He's alive, Frodo, he's alive."

stfram

12-21-2007, 06:47 PM

OMFG!! The most beautiful 1 minute and 36 seconds ever!

And the wierdest. :sd:

So *totally* not expecting that! :D

I cannot wait to read something's writeup on that.

Edit: also didn't expect that ending..wow..

Suwako Moriya

12-21-2007, 07:39 PM

This episode confirms it. If she had her heart set on it, Kotomi would have the potential to be an awesome super villain! Who needs dark powers when she can just play a violin!

Kotomi has a very good chance of surpassing Fuko. The only hard is it's very easy for me to be skewed towards the girl who is getting currently focused on. Still it will be interesting to see what comes of that moment near the end.

Edit: Quick someone make a joke video of various heroes trying to defeat Kotomi, but she keeps causing them to blow up with her violin playing! Hmm yes I am probably demanding too much.

Shiroi Hane

12-21-2007, 10:10 PM

Wish I had enough Japanese to know why Kotomi was pulling a Mizuzu and what with Tomoya seeing Kotomi's memories?

Fencedude

12-22-2007, 12:35 PM

EPIC EPISODE IS EPIC

stfram

12-22-2007, 02:30 PM

Wish I had enough Japanese to know why Kotomi was pulling a Mizuzu and what with Tomoya seeing Kotomi's memories?

They apparently knew each other when they were children.

The next ep should hopefully shed more light on how that came to be.

Suwako Moriya

12-22-2007, 10:28 PM

Such a lovely moment this episode had and if we get more of them then I'll be glad they chose to do "her" arc first. Ah, but Kotomi is quite fun in the way she handles things. So it's sad to see her upset. *Goes back to paying attention to her figure*

something

12-23-2007, 05:08 AM

Episode 12:

- Kotomi and Tomoya return the violin (to everyone's relief, no doubt) to Nishina Rie, the music club girl who let Kotomi borrow it. It's an old violin, left behind by a former student, but it's still good and they decide to keep it. Kotomi does her introduction, belatedly, and a new friend is made.
- As they leave the music room, Kotomi starts to tear up. Cue OP.
- Nice development - Kotomi is taking classes with everyone else now. And she's fitting in well, already helping tutor her classmates.
- Kyou is raising hell in the clubroom. She's determined to teach Kotomi the true hardships of tsukkomi, and concludes that Kotomi will never be a comedian. Ryou and Nagisa jump to her defense (<3) but Kyou says that zero is always zero no matter how many you bring together. :sd: Then Kotomi tries out a new gag she saw on TV. And, uh... well, she manages to crack herself up...
- Kyou laments how sad everyone is when they all say that their days off mostly consist of reading books or lazing around. She decides that it's time for a group date. But as Tomoya notes, he's the only guy. ...Ryou, Kyou, Nagisa and Kotomi all in incredibly cute casual clothes, and he has them all to himself. If he manages to make it through the day without being murdered by random male passersby overcome by fits of jealous rage, I'll be shocked.
- While they're out they find out Kotomi's birthday is the next Saturday and Kyou says they'll get her a present.
- And Kyou's idea of a present is a stuffed animal from a crane game. Oh, but not just any stuffed animal. Anteater-san!!
- BUTHOLYFUCKWHATISTHIS?? Just as Kyou is reaching the point of despair, someone comes to their rescue. None other than... FUUKO! Holy shit! Nagisa says "Haven't we met before?" But Fuuko is focused on the game, and says she doesn't have to remember now, their reunion will come in due time. She prepares to unleash her crane game skills, and... and grabs a star[fish?] instead. Unconscious reflex, after all.
- But man, we've been thinking about various ways Fuuko could come back, right? Clannad just fucking ate them for lunch and shat them out, then used the nutrients and energy to rape our faces with unadulterated HOLY FUCK AWESOME. That's the most absurdly perfect and in character and downright epic way Fuuko could have let us know she's alive. Oh god yes.
- So they part for the day and Tomoya walks Kotomi back. She's looked a bit out of it at times throughout the day, but he doesn't press the point. She hands him a book, and asks him to hold on to it. She's already memorized it all. But just after she does this, the man from the previous episode finds them. Kotomi looks scared again, grabs Tomoya, and runs. They manage to evade the man, but Kotomi won't tell Tomoya who he is.
- Then Tomoya has a dream. There's a rabbit, and a deer (hey, sound familiar?) and Kotomi. And young Tomoya, throwing water on a fire raging out of control. I think they're in a library or something. As he's ineffectually fighting it, the man who seems to be stalking Kotomi shows up and puts his coat over it and presumably puts it out. Well, convenient way to link all three characters. Now to wait and see how they make sense of it all.
- "You're Ichinose Kotomi and your breasts are pressed against my back!" XD
- And after those laughs, KyoAni shows us why they do raw emotion like nobody else. Nagisa runs up and says there was a bus accident around the same time and place Ryou's bus would be. Kyou is horrified, and they all rush to the scene, but Ryou is alright. In fact, everyone is alright, even the drivers (including a familiar face :sd: ), and the bus was empty of passengers. Kyou embraces Ryou, and it seems like everything is alright... until Kotomi just starts screaming a heart wrenchingly upset, terrified, painful scream. She collapses onto the pavement, gets into a fetal position and absolutely bawls her eyes out, screaming "I'll be a good girl!" and just utterly beyond consolation. Holy shit. The was one of the most intense things I've seen in a long time.
- They take her to the nurses office, but find out later that she left halfway through first period, by herself. They ask around for information but the teachers cite privacy rules, and tell them to wait until Kotomi herself tells them about it. One teacher does give them Kotomi's address though.
- But when they get there, nobody seems to be home. They call it a day and head back, but Tomoya seems somewhat disturbed and distracted by a small black butterfly he keeps seeing around the house. So much so that he tells them to head on home and returns to the house.
- Only to find the man from before standing outside it. Tomoya confronts him angrily, but the man merely apologizes and says he's an acquaintance of Kotomi's parents, a member of their lab. When he realizes that Tomoya doesn't know what's going on with Kotomi, he cites privacy as well.
- But he does tell Tomoya about the Ichinoses' research. They supposedly found evidence that there is a hidden world, sealed away from this one ever since ours took form. This has tantalizing potential to connect to the story of the girl and the robot, but he stops there. He asks Tomoya to convey a message to Kotomi: "We can't expect you to forgive us, but we still regret what we did that day."
- Tomoya heads back to the house. It feels familiar, and suddenly he gets the idea that he never entered through the front door. He follows the wall around to an opening in the bushes and ends up in the back yard. And still, that butterfly... leading him on.

As he enters the house and walks through the halls, he remembers what she said about the deer and rabbit. He realizes he's familiar with the house, and he knows which door marks Kotomi's room.

He enters, and there are hundreds of clippings from books and newspapers pinned to her walls. The room is essentially bare, except for Kotomi herself, kneeling in the center of the room, silent and unmoving. A clipping flutters to the ground at his feet, a clipping reporting a crash in which Kotomi's parents died. He looks at her, and asks (states, really) "We met before, when we were kids..."

Next episode, it looks like Tomoya is doing some gardening.

::shudders:: Damn show gives me chills. Just perfect. Fuuko's brilliant return and Kotomi's breakdown in the middle of the crowd are going to be scenes that stick with me.