I'm starting(if not already there) to hate romance in anime

[Lego]

What seems like a blog post is actually something more! I'm a sucker for romance in anime regardless if it's an Emma or a Full Metal Panic. When you have two main characters on the screen for a period of time like say Kaname and Sousuke your mind and heart want them to get together, especially if they show hints of it during the show. Now some shows go all the way in finalizing who ends up with who and others leave it wide open leaving the viewer to decide or leaving it kind of ambiguous. Personally for me it depends on the series and characters, but it's annoying going through a whole series(even an action series) waiting for that last scene before the series ends between the two characters and not getting it.

I'm a fan of slice of life shows like Emma, KimiKiss, Kamichu, and so on so I guess I'm asking for it. You get into these shows knowing that they're going to be about that subject matter and it's only a matter of time before you get a love triangle. Did I mention how I hate love triangles? I guess it's something where I'm just burnt out and tired of hyping myself up when it comes to romance in anime regardless of the genre or show.

The usual "I can take down fifty foot monsters but I can't kiss or confess to this girl/guy" or the infamous "Love Hina" approach will drive anyone mad after a while. A full anime, two movies, and an OVA series and you finally get it out of your system? Phew, we didn't want to rush you. I've even realized lately that when I look back on older shows that I loved like Planetes, Emma, or even AMG that I become jaded when it comes to romance and the characters who like each other.

Lets take Emma for example. Now I loved the manga, so many romantic scenes between Will and Emma, they love each other so much, they finally are able to stay together in the end of the manga.

Now the anime comes along and The first season is great, then the second season goes to hell in a hand basket. Hans becomes the third wheel and they set it up where you can't fully appreciate the William and Emma extremely happy ending because they pushed Hans in there like he had a chance from the start. Don't even bring up shows like FMA where nothing happens between the characters at all.

So at the end of my semi long rant I have a simple question, what are your major gripes about romance in anime? Do you go into a series like FMP looking for it, do you find yourself burnt out when going for slice of life shows specifically made to give you fits, or do you simply go for shows like a GITS where nothing really happens?

I know it's less dramatic to have a straight line for characters but sometimes it just wants to make you bang your head on a desk or find something pointy and go after the shows producers :grin:

[golthin]

I don't mind love triangles, I do mind when they leave it ambiguous or not resolved at all! Last exile is a good example, even though many people consider it the main couple a done deal, it is basically back to the status quo.

[something]

I'm actually liking romance shows more and more. People say they get stale, but I watch all these bishoujo (and related genre) shows and keep seeing fun new ways of twisting the old stereotypes around. Kinda like what we talked about in the Shuffle thread.

It's been really quite satisfying.

As for romance in general, I'm still satisfied. My only gripe with romance is one I've mentioned quite a few times before: the curse of comedy doing romance too well for its own good.

Shows like Hayate no Gotoku and School Rumble have scenes that really get me salivating for some serious relationship development, but you know deep down that it's a comedy, and you're not going to get romantic resolution. You're more likely going to get a "life goes on" ending. This isn't always a bad thing, but damn, sometimes I almost wish these comedies would surprise us and go hardcore romantic drama at the end. Instead, everything has to end with a punchline =(

My other romance complaint is a lack of canon lesbians without some sort of gimmick/twist to dilute the yuriness. Oh, so annoying.

[The Great Bear]

I'm not feeling the same dislike for anime romances, though I'd agree that too often, they are so cliched as to make them not particularly interesting.

[Lego]

Shows like Hayate no Gotoku and School Rumble have scenes that really get me salivating for some serious relationship development, but you know deep down that it's a comedy, and you're not going to get romantic resolution. You're more likely going to get a "life goes on" ending. This isn't always a bad thing, but damn, sometimes I almost wish these comedies would surprise us and go hardcore romantic drama at the end. Instead, everything has to end with a punchline =(

That reminds me of something like FLCL where you're teased yet you can make your own conclusions that he ended up with purple haired girl whom I can't remember her name at the moment. I know shows like Love Comm can do it but it ends up getting stale if you loose that comedy and switch to romantic development.

A litmus test for me is something like My Hime. I know, lets leave it COMPLETELY OPEN!

[something]

A litmus test for me is something like My Hime. I know, lets leave it COMPLETELY OPEN!
On the other hand, leaving it ambiguous/open can be a good thing, when the hinted at relationship was... just so totally not something I wanted to see. I hate when unappealing couples are shoved down our throats, so there ambiguity is a relief.

[DKL]

I remember watching Noein and thinking to myself:

"God dammit... I'm more interested in a story about kids living in present-day Hakodate... not all this quantum mechanics stuff".

[JTurner]

My view on the love triangle business is this: if there's going to be one, have it be central to the story, don't just tack it on as a throwaway subplot. I used to hate love triangles, but now I realize that there CAN be good love triangles if there is thought put into them.

Examples of well-done love triangles:

Escaflowne--Irritating though it sometimes may be, I can't imagine this show without the love triangle. All three of the principal characters, Hitomi, Van, and Allen, are fully realized and developed, and as such, one can feel each of their plight.

Shana--This is another love triangle which I liked a lot, because again, all three characters are very well-defined and sympathetic. Sad as I felt for Shana, I also found myself liking that other girl too.

To me what makes a love triangle bad is if the third side of the triangle is nothing more than just a throwaway character with no depth and the person caught inbetween comes across as borderline or downright unlikeable. I've seen this in some cartoon series (e.g. The Legend of Zelda, and even one episode of the Aladdin TV series), but even in Anime there are bound to be love triangles which leave a bad taste in one's mouth and make one want to skip them. Nadia's Africa episodes are a fine example of one bad love triangle--one of the many reasons I disliked those episodes so much--I just found the rival character totally uninteresting and I disliked how they warped Nadia's character.

Another love triangle situation that left me annoyed was in The World of Narue, in which Kazu drops Narue for a voice actress. Unlike the Africa eps, this is meant to be a transitional period for the character, but there are two problems with this. 1) It's badly sequenced into the story; putting this episode in earlier instead of toward the end would've made it work easier. 2) Compared to many of the other episodes, I found it to be weaker and less well-executed.

As I mentioned, though, there are good and bad love triangles.

-Jon T.

[Isuzu Inugami]

When you have two main characters on the screen for a period of time like say Kaname and Chidori your mind and heart want them to get together,

Dweh?

Well, okay, but it seems a bit one-sided. :P

Seriously, I think some trouble with anime romance is the desire to stretch it over the length of the series, so the romantic resolution comes with the show's resolution. Which can end up forcing "romantic filler" (like, silly misunderstandings and unrealistic love triangles--or just no progress whatsoever after something that really should have sparked progress) into the show while the main plot carries on.

[something]

When you have two main characters on the screen for a period of time like say Kaname and Chidori your mind and heart want them to get together, Dweh? Well, okay, but it seems a bit one-sided. :P
I approve a Kaname/Chidori couple SO FUCKING HARD.

::coughs::

[SpaceDebris]

I'm a sucker for the romantic aspects of anime, in fact I'm slightly disappointed when it's not there. The biggest complaint would be when it's not even apparent what the outcome may be. Nanaka comes to mind in this example.

In FMP it's fairly obvious, and no character is ever really lead on to believe otherwise. Now what the characters think is another story. While the hinted at outcome is fine, I would personally like a little more resolution, but it is better than nothing usually.

Also relationships are totally different than anything else in life, so I can easily believe when a character that can seemingly do anything has a tough time of it. Then again maybe that's just me, I am sort of anti-social after all.

Just as a side note, I love how His and Her Circumstances did it with the relationship begining toward the start. Sure things happened after, but the major hurdle was overcome and there was no skirting around the obvious. But this style seems to be a rarity among many shows, not just anime either.

[Draneor]

In many cases, I think an indefinite ending in terms of romance can be a very positive thing. Certainly, it is preferable to a bad ending. It allows the viewer to fill in the gaps and imagine the pairing they want as reality.

Also, I think much of the charm of certain relationships in an anime, such as Full Metal Panic, is that much is left unsaid. Two characters know they are dear to each other and the viewer knows, even if they don't say it. In fact, the long wait before the words are finally said makes hearing them all the more precious , such as the ending scene to FMP: TSR on the train . Sometimes, I find the most pleasure in subtle hints, such as a smile or sharing an umbrella, than I would out right romance. Just to share an example, one of my favorite anime romantic moments is when, at the end of one Ranma episode, he gives Akane a bouquet of roses. I treasure it precisely because of how uncommon it was.

As for love polygons, for certain shows, I enjoy it when it is left open. For example, while I love many girls from Negima, I really want Nodoka to end up with Negi. If Akamatsu leaves the ending opening when the manga ends, I would be happy with that. As far as Negima goes, as I don't hate any girl in it, no matter who Negi ends up with, I'd be OK with it. On the other hand, if Takaya Natsuki hadn't made the ending clear in Fruits Basket, I would have been disappointed. The only time I end up hating an anime is when the character ends up with someone I hate (Shuffle!, Strawberry Panic, Suzuka, KimiNozo). But sometimes you win (D.C.) and sometimes you lose. Sometimes, you think an anime will end up a certain way and it totally changes in the final episode (Canvas2). Other times, the character you love doesn't have a chance from the first episode (Gift ~ Eternal Rainbow). That's the game we play. Since I almost always like imouto, osananajimi, and itoko due to the "first claim" rule, I end up winning more often than not.

The paragraph above contains no real spoilers unless you happen to know which characters I like from certain shows. That is to say, I mention my feelings in regards to endings of various anime but not what the endings themselves were.

[dekude]

I never really cared for the melodramatic approach to romance that a lot of anime seems to take. Too unrealistic and over the top for me... which I guess it's supposed to be. But I tend to make fun of it instead of getting into it and caring about the characters. I just can't really relate.

If it's just one aspect of a much bigger show I won't complain, but I wouldn't touch the purely romantic stuff with a ten foot clown pole. (Although I'll make an exception for Video Girl Ai, on the strength of the artwork and voice acting.)

[something]

Also, I think much of the charm of certain relationships in an anime, such as Full Metal Panic, is that much is left unsaid.
Yeah, FMP is one relationship where I'm not much worried if it stays ambiguous, because it's pretty much gone beyond the point where a confession would be critical.

...Not that I don't still want some eventual payoff, but even if it never comes, they're just wonderful together. Though Fumoffu had a lot of the "comedy doing romance too well!" thing I mentioned earlier.

Since I almost always like imouto, osananajimi, and itoko due to the "first claim" rule, I end up winning more often than not.
Untagged this part since it's not spoilery in and of itself. These three seem like the kind that often don't win, at least from what I've watched. I suppose it depends on whether they're the main girl from the get-go or not, or rather if there's a main girl who is in some way "different". In the latter case, the show usually revolves around her, and though I might find myself often cheering for the osananajimi like you do, generally they're shafted. In shows full of more "normal" girls, though, they do have a decent chance.

[Suwako Moriya]

I can't really hate romance in anime because for me it depends on how it's handled. However what bothers me in love triangles is when the show is biased towards one side of the love triangle you have to wonder why the other side exists. Plus sometimes the winner can be a bit too automatic.

Still if a show is going to have romance then there should be some sort of progress during the series. Although I think we also have to be realistic. I swear even if two characters married, had sex, and started raising children. Someone would say "What if a dimensional portal opened?" and stuff like that. It's never final enough for some.

Either way what's important is for the people involved in the romance to be treated like actual characters and not just extras. Even if X is to be rejected by Y. He or she should still be treated like a human being instead of moldy bread to be discarded. Assuming X isn't a jerk of course.

Also fans have to be careful not to treat the main like a prize. The worst thing we can do is pretend the value of our favorite contender is based on whether or not he or she wins some romance contest. A character can still be interesting even if they lose.

[Suwako Moriya]

[Seriously, I think some trouble with anime romance is the desire to stretch it over the length of the series, so the romantic resolution comes with the show's resolution.

This is especially bad in shows where the winner is beyond automatic and there's also no real reason story wise to prevent the two from getting together. Still I think some writers just don't know how to progress stories beyond the choice.

[rpmurray]

When you have two main characters on the screen for a period of time like say Kaname and Chidori your mind and heart want them to get together, Dweh? Well, okay, but it seems a bit one-sided. :P
I approve a Kaname/Chidori couple SO FUCKING HARD.

::coughs::

I don't think Kaname and Chidori would get along at all well if they were a couple. The sex would be hot, but it wouldn't take them long to find out they're two peas in a pod, and couldn't get along with each other. :evil:

Now the smoking hot pairing of Tessa and Kaname, that's another story. They can practically read each others minds. :notworthy: :blush:

[DKL]

[Seriously, I think some trouble with anime romance is the desire to stretch it over the length of the series, so the romantic resolution comes with the show's resolution.

This is especially bad in shows where the winner is beyond automatic and there's also no real reason story wise to prevent the two from getting together. Still I think some writers just don't know how to progress stories beyond the choice.

I think it's mainly because everything becomes uniteresting after the choice is made (or like... it's perceived that way)...

Yeah, that's too cynical.

I dunno.

[Lego]

Haha, sorry about that, I'll go fix it. Hey since she is a whispered, maybe she can pull it off.

[Lego]

I want to pick up on that. So many female character are considered "pure". For example you rarely see a female main characters in a show have a history of dating or has had her "first kiss" already. I whole heartily agree with everyones thoughts on FMP, thats why it's a great example. But I want to get back to that "first claim" bit. In any romance based show or show with romance you get that "well so and so saw each other/liked each other first". Anytime spent with the other character in the triangle will make those fans squee for joy or hate since most do treat it like a prize.

Some of my favorite scenes and couples are where you don't have a love triangle or competing interests but the two characters themselves dealing with each others feelings alone. Still we've been set up through endless series to believe that attractive girl A has never had a boyfriend before, has never been kissed, and is quietly waiting for Main guy A to come in and start up a 26 episode relationship with her. Now harem anime is a totally different story and you basically have you "take your pick" rule in effect the whole series. This is done on purpose so you get attached to one girl and start rooting for her during the series. When you go into a harem series you're pretty much expecting the long drawn out melodrama.

[DKL]

I want to pick up on that. So many female character are considered "pure". For example you rarely see a female main character in a show have a history of dating or has had her "first kiss" already. I whole heartily agree with everyones thoughts on FMP, thats why it's a great example. But I want to get back to that "first claim" bit. In any romance based show or show with romance you get that "well so and so saw each other/liked each other first". Anytime spent with the other character in the triangle will make those fans squee for joy or hate since most do treat it like a prize.

Some of my favorite scenes and couples are where you don't have a love triangle or competing interests but the two characters themselves dealing with each others feelings alone. Still we've been set up through endless series to believe that attractive girl A has never had a boyfriend before, has never been kissed, and is quietly waiting for Main guy A to come in and start up a 26 episode relationship with her.

Well, formulas are maintained since they seem to work... I mean, we all seem to enjoy it despite how familiar everything is.

[Lego]

True, but I guess I'm just starting to get burned out romance wise. AYA had a triangle at times but it worked out nicely, so it can be done. If you can work it into the show like a Planetes or a Tsukihime did, then I'm all for it. Part of it is having a competent director as well as source material so you don't suddenly get buried in angst.

[Isuzu Inugami]

Haha, sorry about that, I'll go fix it. Hey since she is a whispered, maybe she can pull it off.

Whispered Kaname with paper-fan weilding Chidori.... :virgin: But it would all fall apart when they caught each other using the same hair care products and toothbrush.

[Dicrel Seijin]

I don't really have a problem with romances or even love triangles, but I do wish the creators could give the audience a definite ending.

I'm rather appalled by the tactic of alternate endings that show the protagonist choosing the other object of affection. I'm of the opinion that when the time comes for the protagonist to choose, I, as the audience, should be able to accept the choice as a satisfying one, regardless of my personal bias(es).

[DKL]

Which reminds me...

The ending of Kashimashi...

Y'all know what I mean.

[martod]

I like romances in which the romance slowly develops over the course of the series, and there's some romantic payoff at the end. Unfortunately, a lot of series don't do romance like that--either the development is too fast and they confess early, or the development is too slow and they remain at roughly the same level through the whole series with just a little payoff at the end. The only two shows I can think of where I thought the romance was very well done were Karin and Cardcaptor Sakura.

As a side note, I'm really, really getting sick of the "they made a promise to each other as children" cliche.

[Suwako Moriya]

The ending of Kashimashi...
Y'all know what I mean.

Ah yes that, I still think the major mistake people keep making is treating 13 as an alternate ending to 12. When in reality 12 is just the final broadcast episode. Heck the nature of 12 itself should probably make it clear it was not meant to be the conclusion to the story.

[DKL]

The ending of Kashimashi...
Y'all know what I mean.

Ah yes that, I still think the major mistake people keep making is treating 13 as an alternate ending to 12. When in reality 12 is just the final broadcast episode. Heck the nature of 12 itself should probably make it clear it was not meant to be the conclusion to the story.

Yeah, I knew that it was really over at twelve, but for whatever reason, they decide to:

SUPER KASHIMASHI SPOILERS

shit all over the choice made as if to please the audience (such as myself) that was leaning towards the other direction...

I don't think I've ever seen such a huge cop-out such as that one (and it takes the cake with the excess cheesiness of the final sequence with the damn costumes).

[Suwako Moriya]

Yeah, I knew that it was really over at twelve, but for whatever reason, they decide to:

Actually it wasn't over at 12. In fact 12 ended on a cliffhanger. Probably for the sake of motivating people to buy the DVDs in Japan to see the actual ending. In any case I guess it's time to go into spoiler mode to explain why it's blatant 12 was not meant to be an ending. Sp spoilers for Kashimashi obviously.

If you stop and think about it. Choosing Yasuna was a choice made not based on love, but rather more based on pity. In other words Hazuma was more a crutch for her. We're talking about a very dependent and needy girl here.

Not only that you had the whole "letting go of her hand" scene to show that Yasuna was essentially growing up. Then you had the scene near the end with Hazuma heading towards Tomari. If they really wanted 12 to be considered an ending then that scene wouldn't exist.

In general the entire nature of episode 12 was a bit well suspect in terms of being considered a final episode. It was more of a set up for conclusion instead.

I don't think I've ever seen such a huge cop-out such as that one (and it takes the cake with the excess cheesiness of the final sequence with the damn costumes).

It was definitely an episode filled with quite a few cheesy scenes I'll admit that. However to call it a cop out requires ignoring the events in episode 12 and the underlying meaning of them.

Plus to be fair the whole You have to choose Yasuna or else she'll break down even further stuff in 12 wasn't exactly much better if you ask me. Due in part to being a bit forced. It's also another clue in terms of 12's structure. Plus think of it this way. 12 wraps up the Yasuna side of the story. 13 wraps up the Tomari side of the story.

[DKL]

Yeah, I guess you could say that it was sort of leaning that way

Moar Kashimashi megas spoilers:

(though, to be honest, I was kinda in the dark how we came to a decision in the first place since the internal monologue kinda just highlighted both of the girls' good points as opposed to "building a case"... but then, maybe they did do it afterwards, but I can't remember it anymore), but:

Tomari seems to accept him after being... you know, chosen over; it's like what the hell?

And even then, after all the hullabaloo of "friendly competition" over the focal guy, I'm still amazed that Yasuna somehow found it in herself to let go.



But then, I guess it's more pleasant when things work out like that.

[treatment]

Canvas-2. :grr:

'nuff said.

Maybe I'll add DaCapo-SS, too. :sigh:

[Shsway]

My feelings towards romance, in this medium, mirror how I feel about it depicted any other way. I have little patience for "I Hate you, therefore I MUST love you!!" story plotting, or the lucky dumb-ass who stumbles into a relationship with a girl/woman who mostly has her shit together already.

One thing that shows are getting better about, I think, is depicting romance as something sexual as well as emotional. The tension isn't always so lame and - gasp - things are actually consummated! Now all we need as more confident female characters who, while not totally "pure", are mostly comfortable/unashamed about their sex lives.

Edit: You know, one case in which I was distinctly annoyed by the inclusion of a love triangle (of sorts), was when I first watched Banner of the Stars. Second Aviator(?) Ekuryua has no business even considering an intrusion into Lafiel and Jinto's semi-perfect grapplings with their feelings. :P

[JTurner]

My feelings towards romance, in this medium, mirror how I feel about it depicted any other way. I have little patience for "I Hate you, therefore I MUST love you!!" story plotting, or the lucky dumb-ass who stumbles into a relationship with a girl/woman who mostly has her shit together already.

One thing that shows are getting better about, I think, is depicting romance as something sexual as well as emotional. The tension isn't always so lame and - gasp - things are actually consummated! Now all we need as more confident female characters who, while not totally "pure", are mostly comfortable/unashamed about their sex lives.

Edit: You know, one case in which I was distinctly annoyed by the inclusion of a love triangle (of sorts), was when I first watched Banner of the Stars. Second Aviator(?) Ekuryua has no business even considering an intrusion into Lafiel and Jinto's semi-perfect grapplings with their feelings. :P

Another example of an unnecessary love triangle, eh? I guess even some Japanese Anime are prone to include throwaway rivals who have little effect on the plot.

-Jon T.

[Njr Scrawl]

But unresolved/unrequited romances, love triangles, broken relationships & interchanging partners reflect real life. There are happy endings, but as many missed opportunities, unhappy relationships & hopefuls bypassed for the wrong choice.

Why are dating games with multiple possible endings popular - its not only "playing the field", but also gives every qualifying game character a chance - something that anime writers have to decide - not always well - for the audience, unless they are following a manga.

I like "Next Stage" OVAs where that happens, & am getting the Kimi Ga Nozomu Eien:Next Stage OVAs.
The 2nd KOR movie is equally important to me for a similar reason, & slightly sideways Layla Hamilton OVA following Kaleido Star.

Good to have some heartbreak & weep along with characters like Meiko in Marmalade Boy, & be happy for Asuna in Maison Ikkoku. Rocky & romantic relationships are what bring anime to life, make them animated dramas rather than cartoons & motion comics. For me anyway. 3 cheers for angst! :noodle:

[Mateo_home]

I enjoy watching two characters get together. Those I enjoyed over over the years would be Ai Yori Aoshi. What I liked about this one is that the two (Kaoru/Aoi) really loved each other. Sure, the harem aspects were there solely for entertainment. But it was great to see how it's kept hidden and Kaoru's relationships with the other girls. Of course, they don't fail to impress. Of course, I heard the manga ended and I'm not reading it, so I suppose I'll never find out who was the "winner".

Another great example would be Kamichu. Again another great developing relationship between Yurie and Kenji. At first we see that Yurie has a cruse on Kenji, and he can't even remember who she is. But as it progressed, he slowly ended up noticing her and it ended nicely. Of course, even when they did start dating, it was still taken step by step.

And of course there's Karin. Another great anime couple. Been reading the manga (at least that hasn't discontinued in the states. But I'm sure the anime didn't reach a conclusive end) and it's a pleasure to read. Read through vol. 7 and Karin and Kenta have gotten back together after the breakoff in the previous book. What's great about that is the hardships they go through just to be with each other. Even if it's not officialy announced. And no love rival...at least not until vol. 8, judging from the preview.

I guess love triangles can be love or hate it, depending on how they're handled. It can be good as long as all the characters have the right reasons, redeeming traits and of course, entertaining for the audience to watch. I'm thinking of School Rumble on this one. Another one I'll add in is the Shana one between Shana, Yuji, and Kasumi. I'll admit at first I didn't care for Kasumi at first, as she became more involved with the plot, that all changed. Her character just needed the proper development is all.

As for romance devices I've grown tired of, it would have to be the early childhood promise and the start off as hate, but develop into love which others have stated. But I'll add in that I don't care for the "guy does good deed for stranger (i.e. tripping) and now he's the man she has to have" cliche. :P

[pianocello]

[quote=somethingMy other romance complaint is a lack of canon lesbians without some sort of gimmick/twist to dilute the yuriness. Oh, so annoying.[/quote]

There needs to be an industry quota that at least 50% of all anime have canon lesbian couples.

[DKL]

What do we mean by "canon"?

...

Does this translate into more Yuri?

[Orihara_Kaoru]

I watch a lot of anime where romance is the main theme, and it almost always comes to a very satisfying conclusion (I'm looking at you, Kare Kano! Grr).

I think it just depends on the type of anime you're watching. Maybe you'd find shoujo series more satisfying in the romance department. :) Here's a quick list of some series with great romantic conclusions (I've left out BL titles because I don't think that's your cup of tea):

Marmalade Boy
St. Tail
D.N.Angel
Pretear
Sailormoon
Wedding Peach
Fushigi Yuugi
Peach Girl
Cardcaptor Sakura
Paradise Kiss
Ultramaniac
Gokinjo Monogatari
Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne
Rose of Versailles
etc...

[something]

What do we mean by "canon"?
Official. Not based on fan speculation or desires. Not left ambiguous.

[DKL]

Oh, then I too want more canon lesbian couples.

[davesimmons]

Please Teacher was nice for actually resolving its romance. One reason why I haven't watched beyond season 1 of Ah My Goddess is having read that nothing will (ever?) be resolved.

Full Metal Panic didn't bother me because Sousuke is supposed to have missed out on any kind of socialization from growing up as a soldier, and so has no clue about relationships. It makes sense that it would take at least 3 series for him to make any progress :)

But yes, I do find myself reading the review summary of the last disc of a series before starting to watch it, to see if it will be one of the ones where a real conclusion is reached.

[Westlo]

I really don;t mind the FMP situation since the anime hasn't even covered half the novels really.

[Lego]

Peach Girl

GAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

Thats the one series that made me want to bang my head on a desk halfway through :grin:. Part of it is that you have shows that are solely focused on romance unless you have some sort of gag comedy routine going like Love Comm. At least in something like FMP you can counter it with comedy, mechs, and action. So when you only have that to work with, I can see how you get the angst and the buildup. I love a big pay off at the end as much as the next guy, but the cliches are starting to get to me.

As for the whole childhood promise thing, thats why I mentioned Love Hina. The guy has a shot at a house full of girls that would love him and make a good partner yet hes solely focused on one. But hey, thats harem anime for ya.

[daymare]

I bought Please Twins solely based on the opening song and the well directed prologue + OP

And as I have predicted, I love this series. The characters, pacing, and story are all great. There's no cheesy melodrama (at least not the kind where I want to smash the TV). Maiku is a pretty cool guy, mature and responsible. He displays affection towards the girls, yet holds back for good reason.

The epilogue episode + the final scene left me with a very satisfied feeling :grin: So yes, a love triangle done well that's central to the story, yet all three share a bond


Now, there is one thing. All the nudity in this show got me thinking of a spinoff spoilers
hentai ending where Miina & Karen are actually twins and Maiku gets them both :)

[Lego]

Since you brought up Please Twins I want to go to Please Teacher. Now that was a romance I could get behind even though you had a triangle there as well. Mizuho and Kei worked out great and they really love each other. Granted they got married early on so that took some of the guess work out of it but the scene from the "last" episode where Mizuho and Kei end up having sex, then they're walking down the road together sharing a close moment with Mizuho blushing was great.

It's possible to have something like that done right but I can't think of to many shows off the top of my head where the main characters are married or get married halfway through. I can think of a couple at the end, but thats another story. It all ties into that "pure" state of mind where the main female can't see another guy, hang out with another guy, talk to another guy unless hes the designated romantic rival or they want to up the angst. I keep going back to FMP but at least in Fumoffu you had Kaname turning down her old "senior" from middle school I think when he asked her out. She did go to the amusement park with him on a semi date, they hung out together but of course Bonta Kun showed up heh. Still it was one of those moments where you knew she loved Sousuke when she turned her old "senior" down.

The Love Hina Christmas movie is another good example.

[Natsume_Maya]

So at the end of my semi long rant I have a simple question, what are your major gripes about romance in anime? Do you go into a series like FMP looking for it, do you find yourself burnt out when going for slice of life shows specifically made to give you fits, or do you simply go for shows like a GITS where nothing really happens?

I'm probably more passive in my anime viewing. I probably just watch and see what unfolds, rather than actively wish for two characters to get together. I also think anime's too varied for me to have any particular gripe about how romance is portrayed. You have shoujo melodrama on one hand and stuff like GitS where if they put romance into it, it wouldn't fit in. But if you're looking for more romance in GitS (Batou x Kusanagi), I recommend Amanatsu Kanko's GitS doujinshi - probably some of my favourite doujinshi.

[DKL]

I actually thought that the sexual chemistry in stuff like GITS was a level above a ton of the stuff you'd usually see.

It felt very conveyed itself real mature-like.

Also, notice how most shows have the characters hooking up and never makes the assumption that, maybe, they're not each other's types...

This is kinda why I liked Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo since the characters pursue romantic interests outside of their usual groups.

[meganly_chan]

I'm always a little disappointed when an anime I watch has no romance in it - makes me feel empty and unsatisfied somehow :confused:

I absolutely hate it when a pairing is left very vague and/or unconvincing. In Lost Universe we don't really get anything for the Millie/Kane pairing beyond Millie wanting to cook for him forever and Kane wanting to eat her cooking forever. I know in Japan that's practically a marriage proposal, but I was very frustrated by the end. If the creators were pushing for this pairing, they did a poor job in convincing me anything happened!

I'm just fine with romance that happens gradually over the series. If the characters confess too early it kinda ruins it for me. If things are kept pretty much the same between them until close to the end, it can have the same effect. Most of the time, however, I'm just happy that they actually got together. But sometimes with long series I just want to scream "GET TOGETHER ALREADY!" :grin: Kirarin Revolution, I'm looking at you!

I admit I am rather tired of the "childhood friend comes to act on a promise," "stuck-up guy/girl assumes they have it in to win character A's heart and is hostile towards character B because they find them to be a threat somehow" (complete with the oh-ho-ho laugh), and "unwanted/forgotten fiance" cliches.

If nothing happens at all/is resolved, even when it's very obvious that something is there (even if it's just a one-sided crush), it's also upsetting. Address it, at least, before all is said and done.

I know not to hold my breathe with very goofy series or kid series, though (like Pokemon - I've been shipping Ash and Misty for years :P).

[Garasharp K7]

I'm a bit partial to situations where two characters want to be together but are kept apart by various obstacles - war, alien invasions, being trapped in a city that's cut off from the rest of the world by a barrier that resembles the planet Jupiter, and so on. It can be real edge-of-your seat stuff watching them try their best to be together, but then they're ultimately driven apart 'til the next episode. It can be frustrating sometimes, but really rewarding in the end when they finally overcome all odds and meet.

...or one of them ends up accidentally killing the other. That sometimes happens. That's a real pisser right there.

[Yukino Miyazawa]

Have you tried Boys Be...? It's a romance show aimed at guys, and focuses on a different couple each episode. The romances progress slowly and naturally, and it's very slice-of-life. The romances are also seen through the guy's point of view.

[Shsway]

Good to have some heartbreak & weep along with characters like Meiko in Marmalade Boy, & be happy for Asuna in Maison Ikkoku.

I guess I can sort of agree with the latter, seeing how it ultimately turns out for them, but I know I kind of felt dissatisfied/bad for her and Mitaka, regardless. I mean, she was a distant second choice, as he was REALLY settling, and there was such a high level of pity there. Not the healthiest way to start any relationship, but I suppose that may have been the point...

I definitely think that this particular show could have used a bit more heartbreak. (Husband) Souichiro-san's death just wasn't enough! :P

And of course there's Karin. Another great anime couple. Been reading the manga (at least that hasn't discontinued in the states. But I'm sure the anime didn't reach a conclusive end) and it's a pleasure to read. Read through vol. 7 and Karin and Kenta have gotten back together after the breakoff in the previous book. What's great about that is the hardships they go through just to be with each other.

I love that the story will just keep going, even with they're getting together. I already consider it official, and most shows or books just don't keep going past that point, barring epilogues.

Kare Kano really did not need one. Brrr.

Another one I'll add in is the Shana one between Shana, Yuji, and Kasumi. I'll admit at first I didn't care for Kasumi at first, as she became more involved with the plot, that all changed. Her character just needed the proper development is all.

I didn't like Kasumi much at first either, but really, she's such a little fighter, isn't she? You can't help but be endeared by that, even in the face of battling against the full force of OTP, soul-bound, mega-love. ;)


PretearI think that this is the only anime so far that has really left a bad taste in my mouth, in terms of the central romance - so predictable, so forced! Well, there were several things that were off about that show, and that elements was the major one (definitely rife with the eye-rolling, "I Hate you, therefore I MUST love you!!" syndrome).

[Shsway]

My other romance complaint is a lack of canon lesbians without some sort of gimmick/twist to dilute the yuriness. Oh, so annoying.

I know I've said this before recently, but I could also do with all of the instances in which a romance between two women is scripted as being brought on by one molesting the other in some way! Good Lord, you'd think that the only way we pick up dates/start relationships is by constantly threatening a lady's modesty, well-being or mental state. Or all three.

[Shsway]

I'm always a little disappointed when an anime I watch has no romance in it - makes me feel empty and unsatisfied somehow :confused:

Not quite the same thing, but this comment made me think of how I felt about the lack of romantic resolution between Akagi and Tanigawa in Dai-Guard. Yes, he was almost completely unaware of it (If I recall right), but she was so obviously into the goofball, and present at all the right moments. I wanted that to go places in a bad way.

It was by far the only "weak" element in the series.

[Sheena]

My main gripe with romance, is the qualifier of romance for a lot of very shallow infatuation and its usual association with komedy moments.

Lately it seems like you cannot watch a romantic comedy without cheap pandering/fan service (rosario+vampire anyone?). The gags of face to crotch or boob grabage accidents are just very very old. Only very few shows manage to do the romantic comedy and keep it witty and fresh.

On the other end of the spectrum, romantic dramas are often annoyingly contrived. The coincidence level to force misunderstanding really bugs me to no end. Same for the unnatural wishy-washiness required to extend a simple story over 20 episodes. It just makes the emotions feel very forced, artificial and stale when the characters are finally honest with themselves somewhere in the middle of ep.25. The other thing that is really annoying in those romances is the predictability. I don't want to point fingers but Kouichi+Mao-chan in kimikiss is a perfect exemple. You know from ep. 1 what's gonna happen. You just don't know if it'll take 10 or 20 episodes to get there (looks like 20 here). The introduction of illusionary rivals who are never really any kind of real threat is also a very overused practice that not many anime avoid.

That being said, I usually prefer dramas for romance, mostly because only a very small number of shows manage to mix romance and comedy well (like Love*Com say). It seems easier to elicit interest from me by making a tear-jerker romance with a couple of classic triangle situations. Even if overused and unoriginal, that seems to work better for me.

[Buster Blader 126]

Canvas-2. :grr:

'nuff said.

Maybe I'll add DaCapo-SS, too. :sigh:

I have to agree with you on Canvas 2. Despite ultimately accepting the final outcome, I just felt so, so GYPPED. :sigh:

As for Da Capo Second Season, if you're referring to Kotori, then I can see your point.

Oh, Aisia. *sigh*

[Njr Scrawl]

Good to have some heartbreak & weep along with characters like Meiko in Marmalade Boy, & be happy for Asuna in Maison Ikkoku.

I guess I can sort of agree with the latter, seeing how it ultimately turns out for them, but I know I kind of felt dissatisfied/bad for her and Mitaka, regardless. I mean, she was a distant second choice, as he was REALLY settling, and there was such a high level of pity there. Not the healthiest way to start any relationship, but I suppose that may have been the point...

I definitely think that this particular show could have used a bit more heartbreak. (Husband) Souichiro-san's death just wasn't enough! :P

You have to remember that Asuna knows she is the runner-up, in fact my favourite romantic scene in all MI is Shun & her betrothal scene, where he tells her about losing a big tennis tournament & hating the runner-up trophy. Asuna knows she is the romantic equivalent but still wants to marry him & Shun accepts her love.

AFA Kyoko's emotional state Soichiro has been dead for a few years, & some of the sharpness of Kyoko's grief has either been repressed or blunted through time. Before the story, but hinted at in the Reminiscence OVA's exclusive animation (at the start), Kyoko had a long period of mourning, looked after by Soichiro's father & family, before being given Ikkoku-ban to run as an intended temporary livelihood & therapeutic occupation. Godai was the emotional wildcard, that became her cure, due to his own & their mutual situations throughout the story - with a little help from their "friends". The final push was still quite brutal emotionally for Kyoko IMO, who had mired-down in widowhood almost too deep to be helped. Shun might have thought he was winning, but I think Kyoko would have held back through uncertainty. Shun was also too much a gentleman to give Kyoko the emotional jab she needed to free herself. One of the big challenges of 2nd+ partners of another, is always fighting against & dodging around the memories of the other's earlier partners. MI is very true to life that way (even in KOR, Kyosuke is up against unknown bad experiences Madoka had in the past he can only guess at, which is why she is so capricious.)

[Lego]

I agree Sheena. While I don't mind the occasional fanservice what would really make my day would be a female lead in a romance show or romance situation that takes the initiative and uses her sexuality not in a fanservice way but in a way where she makes the moves. Somehow that is 100X hotter then "OH NOT MY PANTIES ARE IN YOUR FACE". You have some feisty female characters who either melt at the sight of romance or turn into your generic "blush blush, run run" character that you'd see in a HGAME adaptation.

If you're into a series, well even if you're not that wait for characters to get together can be annoying(head meet desk), especially if they set it up predictably like you mentioned. Obviously it's great if you're into a show and you get a payoff like in Planetes but most of the time it's that last episode "lets get together with five seconds left" shot and nothing else.

Another example would be GTO(anime not manga, thats a whole different story) where you had Yoshikawa get abused then ends up with his chief abuser after she decides that she loves him.

[DKL]

Which also reminds me:

A lot of confessions are kept towards the end of the show most likely because it makes for a better opportunity for there to be a dramatic love confession nearing the end of the show...

That and doing it early probably means that you'll have to deal with the unpleasant problems associated with serious relationships; in a story about the spring of youth, I'm assuming that dealing with confusing feelings in regards to crushes or awkwardness or whatever is more appealing than... the stuff that comes afterwards.

[Lego]

Thats the route not often explored in characters that get together having to deal with their problems as a couple, kind of like in Onegai Teacher. Still I don't mind a good ending confession but I guess I need to have something else as the meat and potatoes besides that.

[Njr Scrawl]

I agree Sheena. While I don't mind the occasional fanservice what would really make my day would be a female lead in a romance show or romance situation that takes the initiative and uses her sexuality not in a fanservice way but in a way where she makes the moves. Somehow that is 100X hotter then "OH NOT MY PANTIES ARE IN YOUR FACE". You have some feisty female characters who either melt at the sight of romance or turn into your generic "blush blush, run run" character that you'd see in a HGAME adaptation.

If you're into a series, well even if you're not that wait for characters to get together can be annoying(head meet desk), especially if they set it up predictably like you mentioned. Obviously it's great if you're into a show and you get a payoff like in Planetes but most of the time it's that last episode "lets get together with five seconds left" shot and nothing else.

Another example would be GTO(anime not manga, thats a whole different story) where you had Yoshikawa get abused then ends up with his chief abuser after she decides that she loves him.

The 80s, older style romances were more subtle, & didn't sell as well as the newer generations of manga & anime which were more physical & pin-up oriented.

One of the things that makes KOR so special to me is that Madoka is physically attractive, but she doesn't use it - apart from teasing Kyosuke occassionally. In fact Madoka seems generally unaware or uncaring of her physical appeal to males generally.

Generally, the Japanese demographic is male schoolboys & students, usually lonely, probably no steady girlfriend & in an intense high-pressure-to-succeed educational enviroment where anything comforting, & what is most immediately effective for comfort scores. This is why moe is still successful. All mostly supposition on my part.

[GundamWingMan]

Peach Girl

GAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

Thats the one series that made me want to bang my head on a desk halfway through :grin:. Part of it is that you have shows that are solely focused on romance unless you have some sort of gag comedy routine going like Love Comm. At least in something like FMP you can counter it with comedy, mechs, and action. So when you only have that to work with, I can see how you get the angst and the buildup. I love a big pay off at the end as much as the next guy, but the cliches are starting to get to me.

I beg to differ. Despite being a 49 year old male, I've really enjoyed Peach Girl for the very reason it frustrates you: the simple and uncomplicated pursuit of love, perhaps the most gripping sort of adventure around, because it's something we've all experienced in our lives. The joys, anger, pain, the whole nine yards, it really fascinates me. Who needs external stuff to spice up a plot that, to me, is already highly interesting, unless you want to count Sae's neverending plots and schemes against Momo.

[Lego]

It wasn't a bad manga and series, just a good example to use when talking about topics like this. It still gets the "GAAAAH" response from me when I remember when I first watched it and had an initial reaction to it. I guess thats the hallmark that they writers are doing their jobs.

[Shsway]

....I know I kind of felt dissatisfied/bad for [Asuna] and Mitaka, regardless. I mean, she was a distant second choice, as he was REALLY settling, and there was such a high level of pity there. Not the healthiest way to start any relationship, but I suppose that may have been the point...

I definitely think that this particular show could have used a bit more heartbreak. (Husband) Souichiro-san's death just wasn't enough! :P AFA Kyoko's emotional state Soichiro has been dead for a few years, & some of the sharpness of Kyoko's grief has either been repressed or blunted through time. Before the story, but hinted at in the Reminiscence OVA's exclusive animation (at the start), Kyoko had a long period of mourning, looked after by Soichiro's father & family, before being given Ikkoku-ban to run as an intended temporary livelihood & therapeutic occupation.

Oh, I just knew I'd be misunderstood here. I thought that Kyoko's grief and widowhood was scripted very well. It was, in fact, the very thing that compelled me to keep watching the show, despite feeling rather "blah" and cautious about any entertainment value to be had, after seeing the first batch of episodes for the first time. I've never really liked Kyoko's personality, but I always sympathized with her, which was key in my getting to like her and her chosen partner as a couple (though HE proved himself to me much more, as the show progressed. Obviously).

No, what I meant to write (perhaps I should have been less subtle/indirect), was that there should have been more couples that just didn't work out, with palpably sad results indeed. It seemed like most everyone got their own, convenient happy ending! Life just isn't like that! I mean, the only broken pairings that come to mind show up in the form of Akemi and her ex, which wasn't a sad episode, but an empowering one, and Mr. Ichinose's brief love for that lady he knew before meeting the wife, which obviously didn't turn out to be so bad.

[Shsway]

My main gripe with romance, is the qualifier of romance for a lot of very shallow infatuation and its usual association with komedy moments.

Lately it seems like you cannot watch a romantic comedy without cheap pandering/fan service (rosario+vampire anyone?). The gags of face to crotch or boob grabage accidents are just very very old. Only very few shows manage to do the romantic comedy and keep it witty and fresh.

It IS all a matter of getting the characters where you want them to be, or think they should be, by pushing in the extreme fanservice situations (of course, that stuff does equal ratings and whatever, but anyway...) Good writers - and there aren't that many in any medium you'd care to name - don't take those sort of shortcuts all the time. I mean, even the writing that attempts heavily-laced, romantic subtext often fails to understand the basic concept of underlying eroticism, through brief glimpses of its existence. Like most anything else, the message doesn't always deliver effectively if one wields it with the shattering blow of a sledgehammer. Well, and then there's the part about working with a director who understands this as well.

And which is better? Showing the perspective of both parties or sticking to a one-sided view of things? Guess it depends on the show...

More and more, I become convinced that the best romantic stories are found in the shows that aren't mainly about love and relationships. Or the kind that get that sort of thing straightened out from the start. I love me some angst and tension as much as the next gal, but how rare is it to see the steady development of a relationship, past the first "I think I like you"? I know it's hard to keep something like that from getting boring (much like in real life), but...

[something]

All the complaints about how cheap fanservice is nowadays leaves me even more convinced everyone should watch Touka Gettan. Most erotic, strange, amusing fanservice ever. Period. And absolutely beautiful treatment of the main couple's relationship as well. There's fanservice for love, fanservice for titillation, fanservice for weirding your out, it's all there and done so well. It's like the anti-Rosario in how it approaches fanservice.

Unfortunately there's an extremely steep "learning curve" to the show, and people abandoned it in droves very early on. the early episodes are by no means bad, and when you take a second look from the end they're pretty brilliant, but they confused people, and the show took an instant dive into obscurity. Sigh. At least I got a couple people to finish it, and they all adored it. And all agreed it was some of the best if not the best ways to handle fanservice ever.

[Lego]

More and more, I become convinced that the best romantic stories are found in the shows that aren't mainly about love and relationships. Or the kind that get that sort of thing straightened out from the start. I love me some angst and tension as much as the next gal, but how rare is it to see the steady development of a relationship, past the first "I think I like you"? I know it's hard to keep something like that from getting boring (much like in real life), but...

Anymore thats what I'm leaning towards. I keep coming back to the FMP example, but something like that. Even a Tsukihime or Planetes where it isn't the main focus(well Tsukihime kinda) makes it work. But if you're getting into a show like Onegai Teacher, Kimikiss, and shows from that genre you know what you're getting into. Still it doesn't make it any better when some of those shows like a Honey & Clover are put together masterfully. I'm all for expansion on relationships and thats one thing that I love to see in a series where characters get past the "I love you" and grow.

While frustrating at times Onegai Teacher had many of these moments.

[Lego]

All the complaints about how cheap fanservice is nowadays leaves me even more convinced everyone should watch Touka Gettan. Most erotic, strange, amusing fanservice ever. Period. And absolutely beautiful treatment of the main couple's relationship as well. There's fanservice for love, fanservice for titillation, fanservice for weirding your out, it's all there and done so well. It's like the anti-Rosario in how it approaches fanservice.

Unfortunately there's an extremely steep "learning curve" to the show, and people abandoned it in droves very early on. the early episodes are by no means bad, and when you take a second look from the end they're pretty brilliant, but they confused people, and the show took an instant dive into obscurity. Sigh. At least I got a couple people to finish it, and they all adored it. And all agreed it was some of the best if not the best ways to handle fanservice ever.

The show that will forever be known to me as the "soaked" condom in the bento show.

[Suwako Moriya]

And all agreed it was some of the best if not the best ways to handle fanservice ever.

Touka Gettan's fanservice worked for mainly two reasons. The first being that it flowed well. The second being that it felt well honest. I think that's the best way I can put it.

[DanielJr]

I'll just say this... shows like Maison Ikkoku and RahXephon are hard to come by.

[Suwako Moriya]

More and more, I become convinced that the best romantic stories are found in the shows that aren't mainly about love and relationships.

Well there are time that certain story elements work better when part of a greater whole than when they are the only story element. That's probably because they can devote time in each episode to others things. In other words make the story more balanced.

[MegsLeigh]

More and more, I become convinced that the best romantic stories are found in the shows that aren't mainly about love and relationships. Or the kind that get that sort of thing straightened out from the start.

That's why I love Lina/Gourry from Slayers and Kenshin/Kaoru from Rurouni Kenshin so much. The relationships are subplots at best and while yes, they do drive the plot - such as Lina choosing Gourry over the entire universe in Slayers Next and Kaoru's "death" being the catalyst for Kenshin to descend into his mental hell in Rakinmura in the Jinchuu arc of Rurouni Kenshin, the romances aren't the point of either series.

In either series, there isn't a formal declaration of love, but more of a reassurance that they will remain in each other's lives always. I've always found in Knight of Aqualord where Lina hugs Gourry good-bye before she leaves to seek Airlord's power to be extremely romantic because it's very real and in character for both of them. There's also a huge point that in that particular situation, Lina only tells Gourry good-bye - not Amelia nor Shizuri.

With both, I walked away from the series getting a real and true sense of partnership that goes beyond just a romantic level and it's something that tends to escape me with pure shoujo series at times.

[Njr Scrawl]

Kenshin & Kaoru are what make the show so compulsive for me. I love it all, but their underlying feelings for each other & caring for Kaoru & the others is what fuels Kenshin's strength. As Megumi said, Kenshin may be worried & put off-kilter by concern for Kaoru, however without her presence, he might not have had the extra strength needed in the Kyoto or Jinchuu stories.

"Reflections" is almost a "what if" story, showing how each needs the other, & both tragically weaken when separated for long periods in dire circumstances. Comparing part 1 which covered the TV highlights, with part 2 "the present", makes it even clearer. BUt then Megumi was a jealous femme fatale & Kaoru should have ignored her "advice"

[Glamrgrl104]

The only romance anime I hated was Peach girl momo is sooo annoying.

[karen0586]

On the other hand, if Takaya Natsuki hadn't made the ending clear in Fruits Basket, I would have been disappointed.

Wait, it has ended already? Ok, I don't care about it but someone has got to tell me who she ends up with. i don't care about the spoilers, I need to know if it has already ended.

back on topic, what I hate the most are the triangles in anime. I want Tessa to die in a really bad way... or just stop altogether in being there. OH well, I'm over it :P .

[Mr. Nail Bat]

On the other hand, if Takaya Natsuki hadn't made the ending clear in Fruits Basket, I would have been disappointed.

Wait, it has ended already? Ok, I don't care about it but someone has got to tell me who she ends up with. i don't care about the spoilers, I need to know if it has already ended.

Spoilers for the end of Fruits Basket: It's Kyo and Tohru.

[karen0586]

On the other hand, if Takaya Natsuki hadn't made the ending clear in Fruits Basket, I would have been disappointed.

Wait, it has ended already? Ok, I don't care about it but someone has got to tell me who she ends up with. i don't care about the spoilers, I need to know if it has already ended.

Spoilers for the end of Fruits Basket: It's Kyo and Tohru.


:squeals like the girl she is: Thank you so much! It's been years since I've read any Fruits Basket, but this has me gravitating to it again. Now I know that I won't be dissappointed.

[mandisaw]

Spoilers for the end of Fruits Basket: It's Kyo and Tohru.


Now I know that I won't be disappointed.
This highlights one of the problems about writing/watching a romantic plot. Some people (like my sister) will only watch & enjoy a (romantic) series if there's a definitive happy ending for the main couple. Other people watch it for the rollercoaster ride of overcoming obstacles (including shyness/reluctance, rivals, class/environment, etc.). And some subset of both types like to see some "grown-up" elements, like real-life complications, sex(uality), and epilogues (or what happens after "happily ever after").

Personally, I find myself drawn recently to josei & seinen series focusing on adult/older teen main characters, with real-world concerns and an understanding that there's more to a relationship beyond a love confession. Also, I've come to appreciate short-length romantic series (in manga or anime) since there's less likelihood that the plotline/character development is dragged out unnecessarily.

So here's a few recommendations:
Kimi wa Pet (manga & drama)
Hataraki Man (manga, anime & drama)
Densha Otoko (manga, anime & real-life!!)
Hot Gimmick (manga)
Bokura ga Ita (manga & anime)

Basically, if you're getting tired of seeing rehashes of the same old story, you've gotta start watching/reading something different.

[Lego]

I want to bring up that point you made, its a good one. If I'm going to sit through a Peach Girl, or any other show solely based on romance I better get an ending happy or not. So many anime shows go for the "wide open ending" when it comes to things like this. FMP?

Oh I know LETS CATCH SOME FISH! and it's wide open except for a hint in TSR ending.

Those "non ending" romances usually come from shows where the romance isn't the main focal point to the plot. Then again you get shows like Planetes where they knock it out of the ballpark. I'm not going to hate a show because it might end with the characters mutal friends but it would of drove me crazy if Emma had a neutral end where nothing was affirmed and everyone just kept doing what they were doing.

For me it's refreshing to see someone like Asa from Shuffle as a romantic option instead of the usual shy girl Yuumi type character from Kimikiss. Now I like both characters but it really depends on the series and how the characters are used. I wouldn't kill for a sexually confident character like an Urd to be in the mix or the lead in one of these romance only shows but most of the time they go for the

-childhood friend
-sports girl/tomboy
-primp and proper
-mysterious/doesn't talk to anyone
-secret crush/"Naru like"
-quiet
-serial molester

types of girls.

[CGord]

I guess I'm pretty simplistic on this topic.

I like it if I get the ending I want! :p

If I don't get it, I may still consider it a good viewing experience, just not with my preferred ending.

I loved Kare Kano, though ending with a new beginning made me want 100 more episodes. They could give each couple a 26 ep run & I'd be very pleased. :) I really enjoyed that they got the will they/won't they out of the way quickly, & focused on the couple's relationship. Almost everything else out there focuses on the will they/won't they. Turns out, it can be just as interesting once they've come together as a couple.

I enjoy Ah! My Godess, but Keiichi's chicken tendencies grew tiring quickly. TELL HER ALREADY, DAMMIT! At least there is forward progress. And Urd, oh, my Urd. Sigh. :virgin:

I'm completely immersed in School Rumble right now, I'm close to finishing the 2nd season. I have really enjoyed this one.

Personally, though, I'd like to see it take a slightly different tack. Rather than Harmia chase after the oblivious Tenma-chan forever, I'd like to see him change direction, but then be stuck with the decision of which way to go. There's Yakumo, there's Eri, there's the school nurse.... :virgin:

RahXephon was mentioned earlier; that's a great example of a love story disguised as a mecha show. To me, it's Monica Rial's best work by far.