How do you choose something new to watch?

[yabasugi]

Is it word of mouth, intuition, or even the impression you get from reading the show's summary that makes you try out a new anime show to watch?

When choosing a new series to buy or download, I usually rely on a gut-feeling based on what I've been reading about it, and weigh it against two or three other potential shows that I want to watch at the same time. With that said, I always make sure it's well-received among reviewers or fans on the internet before finally making a go at it.

Time and money is a luxury for me and I always try to make the best decision in picking up a new title.

[Orihimes_Boyfriend]

Well If I have read the manga ahead of time and I like it I normally give the anime (if it exists) a look see. I also get input from people that like the series from sites like this one. I also check out clips online and free episodes when they are up. I give stuff a once over as well when they are broadcast on TV like on Adult Swim , Sci Fi etc..

[memyselfandi]

Read what people are saying about various series here and on other sites ... if it seems interesting I may look into it further to see if I'm likely to like it ... if it seems like a reasonably good bet then I'll look into trying to get it or make a note of it if it isn't out yet.

I have been shallow enough though that I have looked into a series just because I've seen some nice artwork from it :bigsmile:

[Ashyukun]

When it comes to watching shows that are currently airing, I tend to rely on watching through the promos that come out and word-of-mouth here- I tend to know whose tastes run similar to mine and can use that to guide what I watch. I use that to weed out the stuff that I pretty much have no interest in watching and then watch the first episode or two of what remains and then trim the list down to a more manageable level from there- though this does occasionally leave me with more than I should trying to follow (as is the case this season).

When it comes to DVD buying, my situation has been shifting considerably... these days there's rarely much coming out on DVD that I haven't seen the first few episode of already to know whether I'm going to have an interest in it.... the last two things that I bought largely 'cold' were the first Code Geass collection (1-9) and Pretty Sammy: Magical Girls Club S1. I'd seen none of Code Geass (as it aired initially before I really got into actively watching new stuff) and only the first episode of Magical Girls Club. With Code Geass though, I'd heard more than enough good about it that I figured it was worth getting at least the first set (though I watched through it before pre-ordering the second). I bought MGC on the strength of that first episode and generally liking the genre & the characters the series was loosely based around (some of the Tenchi cast).

Most of my anime watching on DVD though is done via online rental (I use Greencine and not NetFlix, but same principle) though- and for that if there's something that I've heard might be good, I'll drop the first disc on my queue and make a judgement on whether I continue with it after that. Generally, if there's something that I'm not likely to really want to watch through more than once I'll just watch it via rental. Though I have loosened up my threshold for this a bit since my finances have improved lately, I still primarily only buy things that I'm very certain I'm going to want to re-watch, that I'm pretty certain I couldn't find via rental and/or are a really good deal (Neighborhood Earth Defense Force, at least when it first came out), or I am likely to want to use as AMV source down the line. Or if there's a stupidly good deal on it someplace, of course. :P

[something]

Honestly, when it comes to the new shows airing in japan each season, I watch damn near everything and just keep up with whatever is interesting. Now, there are some shows I am more excited about/will watch first, and those are either 1) sequels of shows I liked, 2) series from studios I trust (KyoAni, Shaft, JC Staff, Sunrise, A-1 Pictures, Brains Base, etc) or 3) stuff I've been seeing fanart or promo art for on danbooru or moe.imouto.org. I find out about a surprising number of shows in that last way. I don't learn anything about them other than "pretty character designs!" but that's usually enough to make me watch.

I suppose there's also 4) genre, but only to a small extent. I'll automatically watch anything based on a visual novel, for example.

When it comes to buying licensed series on DVD, priority goes to the shows I watched as noted above. Good enough to watch fully fansubbed = good enough to buy, full stop. The only time I blind buy is when a show is 1) very cheap and 2) recommended by people I trust. I prefer both criteria are met but an extreme of either one may make up for a lack of the other.

[DiRF]

What I have used to guide me towards what I have watched...

1. If the series was featured in AMV Hell 3. (I'm not joking, that's what guided practically my first year of Anime watching)
2. If a friend owned the series on DVD and I could borrow it.
3. If I see a series pop up for an unbelievably low price somewhere (like the Geneon 25/$100 TRSI sale), and it has a decent rating on ANN.
4. I accidentally come across a series, and the premise seems extremely odd and interesting. (pretty much only Karin.)

[Suwako Moriya]

I try out series for a variety of reasons. There is no one size fits all strategy. In general shows can be divided into the following categories.

A: I enjoyed the previous series and thus want to try the sequel. For example, I'm watching ef ~a tale of melodies~ because I enjoyed ef ~a tale of memories~. Another example is Sunshine Sketch lead me to Sunshine Sketch x 365.

B: The people involved can make a difference. For example Air TV and Kanon 2006 are both KEY series adapted by Kyo-Ani. Over all I enjoyed both. Thus when I learned Clannad was yet another KEY series and its TV version was going to be handled by Kyo-Ani. Logic dictated it couldn't hurt to give the show a try.

C: In the case of some shows I've already experienced the source material. For example, in the case of both Toradora and Kannagi I tried out a bit of the manga to get a feel for the series.

D: Sometimes the description of a series will catch my eye. Example, the way someone described Hyakko got me interested in the series.

E: I will admit sometimes the design of a few characters is enough to make me try a show. By characters, I mean the females of course.

F: I'm convinced either indirectly or directly by others to give a show a chance. Granted in some cases people try to convince me to give a show another chance, but that's another story.

G: In many cases it boils down to random impulses. There are times I even try shows I wasn't originally planning to try. A decision that sometimes results in a pleasant surprise and other times reminds me of why I was avoiding the show in the first place.
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In terms of DVDs, most of what I buy is based on what I've already seen. I take my past experience with a variety of shows. I weigh it against things like price, release date, etc and then determine which DVD to get next based on that.

I rarely blind buy. When I do it's usually a case of the following criteria being met. The price being cheap enough. The comments being convincing enough. The urge being strong enough. Granted sometimes it's more along the lines of a partial blind buy than full blind buy. Partial as in I saw a bit of the series, but never finished it.

[Garasharp K7]

Usually trailers and reviews do the trick, or maybe an ep or two via the evil format. But my choices are often based on a few conditions:
- sequel to a favourite series
- in a favourite genre
- there are giant robots in it

That last one's pretty important. :)

Sometimes I might watch a series if a particular director or animation studio are involved, but that's mainly if the show they're working on is similar to another favourite they've done. Case in point: Tatsuo Sato directed both Shingu and Cat Soup. I loved Shingu, but from what I've seen of Cat Soup, I wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot clown pole. :)

[Ashyukun]

What I have used to guide me towards what I have watched...

1. If the series was featured in AMV Hell 3. (I'm not joking, that's what guided practically my first year of Anime watching)

OK, that's downright hilarious... there's no way I can't tell Brian (one of the creators of AMV Hell) about that... :cool:

[Shinmaru]

Usually I check out the basic premise of the show to see if it will appeal to me -- I have pretty broad tastes, though, so that does not always narrow things down for me, haha. Positive thoughts from people whose opinions I regard highly (friends who have recommended me series in the past and know my tastes) are often key. Aside from series I am watching this season, most of the anime I have watched have been on recommendation from friends.

[Classical]

Is it word of mouth, intuition, or even the impression you get from reading the show's summary that makes you try out a new anime show to watch?


Believe or not, I've made a significant amount of DVD purchases based on intuition. It's this gut feeling I get that I'll like the show. An example being Fate/Stay Night which I just recently bought and also with A Little Snow Fairy Sugar. Word of mouth usually isn't enough to get me to buy/watch a show, but it does make me consider certain series that I'd never watch. Interestingly enough, I blind buy more with anime than with video games. I usually get really informed when it comes to video games but for some reason I don't do it with anime very often. Luckily it hasn't come back to bite me yet. However, if it's an obscure show I'll read a summary and if I get a good impression I'll buy it. If a show airs on TV and I like it, I'll pretty much buy it at some point (examples being Code Geass, Gurren Lagann, Fullmetal Alchemist, The Big O).

[Ty]

It's really more like the shows pick me. Maybe I miss out on some great things because of it, but I seem to just know what I want to follow from the moment I see the first promo images for an upcoming season. A couple of things end up getting adjusted based on the opinions of some forum pillars, but the last few years what I've zeroed in on right at the beginning of a new season has pretty much stuck. I drop things, but rarely pick anything up mid way through.

[DiRF]

What I have used to guide me towards what I have watched...

1. If the series was featured in AMV Hell 3. (I'm not joking, that's what guided practically my first year of Anime watching)

OK, that's downright hilarious... there's no way I can't tell Brian (one of the creators of AMV Hell) about that... :cool:
I'm a member of the Forums over there, and made a thread thanking everyone who worked on AMVH3, as that was my guide as to what Anime series to watch when I first started out... but no one seemed to notice that thread :(

I'd love to actually get in contact with the main people that put together AMVH3, to personally thank them.

[Sly05]

Familiarity with the source material is one factor. So is pedigree. I'll pretty much try out anything from Kyoto animation for example. If I don't know anything about the series at all I usually just go with whether I like the character designs or the premise sounds cool. I've also always been a fan of anime openings and I've tried out more series than I can name because they had cool opening sequences. Of course, people talking a series up helps too. For example, I initially passed on the first Marimite and Nanoha series but got into them after reading a lot of positive posts about them when their sequels were airing.

[meganly_chan]

In regards to watching something new in Japan or not out on R1 DVD:

1. Promotional pictures. If this and the story sounds cool, I'll look into it.

2. A celebrity I'm a fan of is voicing a role.

3. Somebody whose taste I trust recommended it.

4. It's in one of my favorite genres. Shoujo anime (at least the magical girl kind) have very good odds.

5. It's based on a manga I've read and liked.

When it comes to buying DVD, very rarely do I get something "cold turkey." Odds are good I've already watched some or all of the series, so by that point I'd know whether or not I'd like it, and if I should spend the money.

[Splitter]

Hopefully this will not be too long a list.

1. People whose tastes agree with mine tend to like a series I would otherwise not check out. It's how I got around to Gurren Lagann, which I now adore despite my resentment of most mecha.

2. The OP was f*cking amazing... yeah, I know it's shallow, but it's why I'm currently watching Kuroshitsuji.

3. Who said yuri? Did you say yuri? Where's the yuri?

4. Excellent AMV. This is how I got around to Princess Tutu.

5. Free + legal = mine. This goes for library rentals, trading DVDs with friends, and certain online channels such as hulu.

6. Sequels. Unless I despise the first season, I will almost always watch the sequel.

7. "It's a lot like __insert series here that's on my Top 25 list__."

8. YUKARI FREAKING TAMURA.


Of course this works in reverse as well for making me not check out series. So if people whose tastes agree with mine all hate a series, the OP sucks beyond comprehension (*cough*spiral*cough*), first season sucked, compared to one of my most hated anime, and RIE FUCKING KUGIMIYA.

[Serial Experiments Nobue]

Story/theme, creative staff (ie looking for names of people I am a fan of), and feedback from trusted sources.

When it comes to most new series, unless I see it on TV first it's always a blind buy. This simple formula has resulted in my enjoying nearly every new series I ever picked up.

[The Great Bear]

Character designs and recognizing important staff members (director, character designer) plays an influence.

Word of mouth around here also plays a role.

The story description has to interest me. Then these other elements come into play and I decided whether to pursue it or not.

[something]

Of course this works in reverse as well for making me not check out series. So if people whose tastes agree with mine all hate a series, the OP sucks beyond comprehension (*cough*spiral*cough*), first season sucked, compared to one of my most hated anime, and RIE FUCKING KUGIMIYA.
Whaaaat? Man I really hope you're not passing on Toradora out of some weird hatred for her. You're missing out something fierce. May just be her absolute best role yet.

[EmperorBrandon]

It can be all kinds of things for me.

I can be interested because it's strongly related to one of the series I really like already (has the same director, animators, studio, etc. or it's a sequel or spinoff). After getting extraordinarily hooked on Magic User's Club when I was first into it, it got me to later try many other things directed by Junichi Sato, most of which I ended up really liking as well. Sometimes it leaves me to someone regrettable purchases - the 3rd OVA of Tenchi really seems kind of empty to me, and GXP was funny but it seems like not enough to where it was worth buying 8 single volumes. On the other side of the coin there, though, I got Dual (vague Tenchi-verse connections and the director of Magical Project S) in the Geneon cheapie sales on TRSI and ended up liking it a good bit, despite being a mecha series.

As I get to know some members' tastes around these forums, I'll sometimes get intrigued on things that get talked a lot a bunch depending on who's talking about them and why they seem to be talking about them.

Sometimes it's not exactly the result of major research that it'll be something relatively simple that hooks me into trying a series. Cute character designs can be one thing, but sometimes there's a part of the premise that really catches me for some reason. That was probably one of the biggest things on Mahoraba and Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu, neither of which I knew too much about beforehand, and I ended up liking them for many reasons beyond the particular premise that hooked me. I know it's easier to say for titles which I "sample" for free, but it can even be with bought titles too. Hand Maid May, for instance, I checked out simply going from seeing the first volume in Best Buy and thinking the designs and premise were interesting (don't think I knew anything about it before - was the true "blind buy" of my collection).

[Buster Blader 126]

Fansub-wise:

Romance/Drama titles that are (usually) adapted from visual novels get first priority. It is my favourite genre, and their chances of getting licensed generally aren't very high (I know we have four or five exceptions, but still). These get picked up no matter how many there are (it led to me juggling six titles last fall, with the odd one out being SnS S2), and I still don't know how I didn't fall too far behind on them, with school and all.

After that, then I might fit in one extra show, based on the circumstances. It is generally a mix of word of mouth, intuition, and reading the general synopsis all into one. Last year, watching Shakugan no Shana during my "watch anything" phase when I still had time was the main factor in watching Season 2, while watching Code Geass with a span of eight days out of curiosity and a general interest in the Macross franchise led to R2 and Frontier in April, respectively. This season's special cases are Gundam 00 S2, and possibly Chaos;Head should I ever fit in some time to finish Episode 1. Generally speaking, this will be reserved for a "hit" show.

DVD-wise:

Most of my DVDs are from series that I've already seen through TV broadcasts or fansubs, though for the occasional blind-buys, it is primarily fueled by gut feeling, coupled with some feedback from various reviews/users. My gut feeling has yet to fail me, so far.

[HitokiriShadow]

In terms of things currently airing, I generally try whatever is available. If my viewing schedule is getting full, I may have to get a bit pickier, but there are all sorts of things to consider. I usually see a bit of promo art ahead of time, so that can help, usually to pointing me to which series focus on cute girls or which series look to be dark, creepy and/or violent.

Then I can take things like who's making it or source material into consideration. If I hear Kyoto Animation. Type Moon, Rikishi07, or Key are involved, I am watching it. If I hear Shaft, Bones, Brains Base, and now A1 Studios, I will almost certainly give it a try unless I see something giving me very strong Will Not Like vibes. There are others that would invoke similar responses, but those are the ones to come to mind immediately.

Then I may look at what other people are saying about it. If it gets a lot of praise, I will probably check it out. If it gets lambasted as loli/moe-pandering crap by The Haters, I will probably check it out. Most importantly, I can use of the What Are You Watching threads to see what people with similar tastes are saying about the title in question. Avatars have also been known to influence my consideration.

When it comes to buying DVDs for series I haven't already seen, its mainly a variation of the last one that influences me. Word of mouth and magazine articles are generally the primary influence in this area. Trailers and AMV footage may sometimes play a role, but not usually.

[Suwako Moriya]

If my viewing schedule is getting full, I may have to get a bit pickier, but there are all sorts of things to consider.

Ah yes there's that too. It's easy enough to try out a new for the current season when it's only your fourth show try. Yet if you've already tried a dozen shows before. It becomes more taxing. Since the show has to be able to convince you to expand your schedule even further. This is why I like to save some shows for later. Granted later is often a vague term...

[Kellory]

In terms of buying, if it's being released, isnt Hentai, and isnt Pokemon then I'll be getting it. It's merely a question of when the next studio sale is. If I have to prioritize, then series with a box gets first dibs on the wallet. Next comes complete series. Finally series with LE's. I dont generally get series till they are completely out, although I will almost always buy singles over bricks and thinpacks, even when those are available.

In terms of watching, I watch whatever comes in. If more than 1 show arrives on a day, I'll always give a first volume a spin. Then shelve it till the rest comes out. Unless it turns out to be amazing and lands a coveted spot on the buy as it releases list. Right now the only series I have on that list is Death Note. I dont count When They Cry or Rozen Maiden or other Geneon orphans as they need to be bought sooner rather than later.

In the case where I have several shows, I will watch what I feel like first. In general this means either a fantasy or Science Fiction show first. I'm usually on a fantasy or Sci-Fi kick. Sometimes I just feel like a comedy though. Usually I save those for last as a rule though. I like ending my viewing sessions on a funny note as opposed to a thoughtful or dramatic note.

[Lego]

Word of mouth from one of my fellow AOD regulars really helps, other then that it comes down to things like...

-Character designs
-Staff
-Story

etc. etc.

[Vegard Aune]

In a completely and utterly random fashion.The reason is usually:
"I heard a lot of people talking about this show, so I'll check it out because I have nothing better to do."
"I saw the opening somewhere, and it looked cool."
"I simply have nothing better to do."
Or the most logical reason: "It's apparently similar to some other show I liked."
There are several shows that I've started watching for absolutely no reason at all, the best examples being Lucky Star and Da Capo, both which helped me get into a ton of other shows. (Looking back at it, how on Earth did I manage to enjoy Lucky Star, when I hardly understood ANY of the references back then?)

[Ashyukun]

4. Excellent AMV. This is how I got around to Princess Tutu.

This was one I totally forgot to mention- though these days with watching so much as the shows air that it's becoming less of a factor than it was when that video came out.

[Splitter]

Of course this works in reverse as well for making me not check out series. So if people whose tastes agree with mine all hate a series, the OP sucks beyond comprehension (*cough*spiral*cough*), first season sucked, compared to one of my most hated anime, and RIE FUCKING KUGIMIYA.
Whaaaat? Man I really hope you're not passing on Toradora out of some weird hatred for her. You're missing out something fierce. May just be her absolute best role yet.

Still haven't made up my mind on Toradora. It carries the Rie Kugimiya tsundere stigma, but I'm getting good word of mouth on it. I'm waiting until it's complete to make a call... besides, I really like everything else I'm watching that's currently airing already and there's no room to add anything to the mix just yet.

[Ty]

Of course this works in reverse as well for making me not check out series. So if people whose tastes agree with mine all hate a series, the OP sucks beyond comprehension (*cough*spiral*cough*), first season sucked, compared to one of my most hated anime, and RIE FUCKING KUGIMIYA.
Whaaaat? Man I really hope you're not passing on Toradora out of some weird hatred for her. You're missing out something fierce. May just be her absolute best role yet.

Still haven't made up my mind on Toradora. It carries the Rie Kugimiya tsundere stigma, but I'm getting good word of mouth on it. I'm waiting until it's complete to make a call... besides, I really like everything else I'm watching that's currently airing already and there's no room to add anything to the mix just yet.

It is the best show of it's kind. You're like me in that the whole tsundere thing is old and a turn off, but Toradora's presentation of things is fresh and very enjoyable to watch. I'm saying this as somebody who's really tired of the archetype and absolutely hated Zero no Tsukaima. You just have to get past episode one really, which lays it on pretty thick. After that it's all crazy good fun.

[Splitter]

Of course this works in reverse as well for making me not check out series. So if people whose tastes agree with mine all hate a series, the OP sucks beyond comprehension (*cough*spiral*cough*), first season sucked, compared to one of my most hated anime, and RIE FUCKING KUGIMIYA.
Whaaaat? Man I really hope you're not passing on Toradora out of some weird hatred for her. You're missing out something fierce. May just be her absolute best role yet.

Still haven't made up my mind on Toradora. It carries the Rie Kugimiya tsundere stigma, but I'm getting good word of mouth on it. I'm waiting until it's complete to make a call... besides, I really like everything else I'm watching that's currently airing already and there's no room to add anything to the mix just yet.

It is the best show of it's kind. You're like me in that the whole tsundere thing is old and a turn off, but Toradora's presentation of things is fresh and very enjoyable to watch. I'm saying this as somebody who's really tired of the archetype and absolutely hated Zero no Tsukaima. You just have to get past episode one really, which lays it on pretty thick. After that it's all crazy good fun.

Just episode 1?

Alright... I have the day off so I'll give it a shot.

And so everyone knows, I DO like tsundere, but I like it when its done right and the character doesn't stay in that annoying state for all eternity. Tsundere girls that do not grow beyond tsundere are bad. VERY VERY BAD.

[EmperorBrandon]

Just episode 1?

Alright... I have the day off so I'll give it a shot.

And so everyone knows, I DO like tsundere, but I like it when its done right and the character doesn't stay in that annoying state for all eternity. Tsundere girls that do not grow beyond tsundere are bad. VERY VERY BAD.

Episode 2 was just plain awesome - it definitely restored some interest in the series after my reaction was kind of mixed to the first episode. After ep. 2, the series really seems kind of above average, though (hasn't really interested me as much), but the promise of ep. 2 gets me curious to check out more.

[JINROH]

Screencaps on blogs,and some of the opinions here and at Animenation help me decide.

[Glamrgrl104]

amazon listmania lists! and word of mouth, although I checked out the Azumanga Daioh manga and thought it was hilarious so I rented the anime and loved it then bought it! I never really was into it until two years ago when my Best friend Wendy and I were talking about movies we liked like Underworld and HP. Then she was saying I should check out FMA. So I did I rented the series and loved it, then I bought it! After that I went to sites and checked which ones were must see. Over time I just picked up ones I myself thought looked interesting. I have only had four animes I didn't like Speed Grapher I should have read the rating before getting this one),Technolyze, and Gun grave(boring at least to me),Black Blood brothers(saw the first episode online and thought it was pretty cool then rented the third disc I was like its ok but nothing I'd buy. Enough of my long comment lol

[Ty]

And so everyone knows, I DO like tsundere, but I like it when its done right and the character doesn't stay in that annoying state for all eternity. Tsundere girls that do not grow beyond tsundere are bad. VERY VERY BAD.

Same here, but it has to be just right. Shana is the only tsundere character I ever truly liked without reservations. I think it's just too easy for the industry to go there because it grabs sales, and they don't try hard enough to make the character multi-dimensional many times. Toradora has a fresh vibe to it that has really surprised me.

[Njr Scrawl]

Character designs and recognizing important staff members (director, character designer) plays an influence.

Word of mouth around here also plays a role.

The story description has to interest me. Then these other elements come into play and I decided whether to pursue it or not.

I'm almost like that. Has to have a proportionally high-ish female count. Seiyuus I'm familiar with help with new shows.

What some particular posters like & think also influence me. :shy:

[Damius]

In my case, I'll determine if it is a kind of show I'll like.
Then I read reviews.
I also take the how is the story and also characters development.
After that I blind buy it or if I'm not sure enough I rent it before.

[joelgundam01]

Usually I check out the basic premise of the show to see if it will appeal to me -- I have pretty broad tastes, though, so that does not always narrow things down for me, haha.

Same here and it's the key reason why I stop by at these forums and also read Chris' reviews. It gives me a good idea if I'm going to like the show or not.

[Kinomoto_Shinji]

All depends on my mood. The past month I haven't watched much anime, so I recently started watching Densha Otoko, Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu, Rozen Maiden, and similar series.

If something catches my eye I'll check it out and see if it's worth watching, keep it in mind till I feel like watching that type of show. Like earlier this year a friend introduced me to Tsukihime game, I played it and like the dark nature in it. Then I somehow ended up watching Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni and got hooked. I stayed on that road for a bit.

Oh, and there's always the Shounen Jump kicks. I H-A-T-E keeping up with One Piece, Naruto, etc., but when I do watch them, I kind of do it in marathon fashion. I'll wait until 20, 30, etc. chapters/episodes are out till I start reading/watching.

So yeah. Pretty much based on my mood. Someone invited me to go a Gundam Bar next week, so I think I'm going to catch on some Gundam soon. ^^;;

[Buckeye]

For me, it comes down to what airs on TV, recommendations, and series that catches my interests. That is what it usually comes down to.