GA: Geijutsuka Art Design Class Discussion Thread

[Suwako Moriya]

It's an anime based on a 4-Koma manga involving female art students. Therefore I am destined to try this out. That and I enjoyed the first volume of the manga. Can't say the same for volume 2 as I still need to read it. In any case, here's hoping for a worthy adaptation.


ANN Entry (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=10895)

Official Site (http://mv.avex.jp/ga/)


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[Suwako Moriya]

Ah, yes, they started with that introduction. As they should have. In any case, it's going to take me a bit of time to get used to both the size and the way Kisaragi wears her glasses.

And here we have an opening that gives us an idea what to expect out of the series. Oh, I like Nodoka in that witch outfit.

Tomokane and Nodoka just had to mess around with the inside of their jackets.

The girls definitely know how to play around with art. Yeah, go ahead and create food out of art.

Fish + Man Swimming= Swimming with the fish. Make that being eaten by a fish. Or maybe a fish-man.

Heh, it seems they kept one of the segments in 4-Koma form. Probably for the amusement factor and that it couldn't be dragged out.

It's the Color Rangers! The fate of the world depends on them! In other words, we're doomed. Tomokane's secret technique is quite effective. Love the part with Miyabi.

Miki tries to get stuck in a corner in front of everyone. While no one is around, Miyabi tries the same thing.

Ah, fun with computers. In general, quite a few amusing segments in the episode. Giving the amount covered, I'm quite confident we'll see material from volume 1-2 and maybe some original material.

Based on the initial watch and if this first episode is any indication, I'll definitely be sticking with this one. I had high hopes for this one and I'm so far satisfied with the way it's turning out.

Oh some info on the opening and ending taken from another forum.

---------------------------------------------------
The OP is "Osaki ni si vou plait", sung by the GA girls, which is probably the main five.
The ED is "Coloring palettes", and today's was the Tomokane version. This suggests, of course, that everyone has a version and it'll change on a weekly basis.
--------------------------------------------

Note in the ending, they're shown as babies. Near the end, we have a focused image of Tomokane. Making me suspect that the final image will be based on who ever singing.

[TheGreenMan]

So, is the 'slice-of-life comedy of art school girls" become a genre in anime yet? *Laughs*

[Fudce]

So, is the 'slice-of-life comedy of art school girls" become a genre in anime yet? *Laughs*

We can hope so :P

[Suwako Moriya]

So, is the 'slice-of-life comedy of art school girls" become a genre in anime yet? *Laughs*We can hope so :P

Yuno, Natsumi, and Miyabi would approve of such an event.

[TheGreenMan]

Whoa. I thought the seriyuu for Kisaragi was Mamiko Noto, but it's Tomatsu Haruka (Nagi, Corticarte). I wonder if Noto will sue, haha.

[Fudce]

Based on the initial watch and if this first episode is any indication, I'll definitely be sticking with this one. I had high hopes for this one and I'm so far satisfied with the way it's turning out.

I'll be sticking with it too. I enjoyed watching it, even if it was slightly too manic in places. :)

[Ty]

Whoa. I thought the seriyuu for Kisaragi was Mamiko Noto, but it's Tomatsu Haruka (Nagi, Corticarte). I wonder if Noto will sue, haha.

Tomatsu Haruka seems to have incredible range. She is quickly becoming a favorite voice of mine, though I doubt anybody could ever replace Mamiko Noto. She also seems to be in a huge number of shows lately.

On to the show itself, I haven't gotten a chance to see the whole episode yet, but based on what I saw they captured the style of the manga surprisingly well. Satoko Kiyuduki has a fairly distinctive style and I was afraid the adapted designs wouldn't show that at all and be generic.

[Suwako Moriya]

I enjoyed watching it, even if it was slightly too manic in places. :)

It will be curious to see if later episodes are less or more manic than the first episode. On a side note, I think I've watched the episode at least three times in full already.

[Ashyukun]

It will be curious to see if later episodes are less or more manic than the first episode. On a side note, I think I've watched the episode at least three times in full already.
I'm still waiting for a translated version... though I might get impatient soon and just watch it with the translated manga in hand as a 'script'...

[Ashyukun]

It will be curious to see if later episodes are less or more manic than the first episode. On a side note, I think I've watched the episode at least three times in full already.
This is probably the only show where I'll have watched an episode twice, because I got tired of waiting for a translated version and just watched it raw, and I'll definitely want to watch it once it's translated (why couldn't this have been one of the series CR picked up? :sd:).

Even with only my memory from the manga to rely on the first episode was a lot of fun and had a lot of the fun gags I remember from the manga. And Kisaragi does sound disturbingly like she's voiced by Noto. I imagined a higher voice for her than they used, but it does work (as do the rest of them). The art style (of the show itself...) seems to have translated very well from the manga with very little lost putting it into motion- they kept all their many weird faces and comedic deformations. And the Color Rangers.... Every bit as much fun as I'd hoped it would be. :D

[Suwako Moriya]

The art style (of the show itself...) seems to have translated very well from the manga with very little lost putting it into motion- they kept all their many weird faces and comedic deformations.

That and even in the anime, Noda Miki has multiple hairstyles. On a side note, it took me that long to realize I spelled her name wrong. That's quite a few files to fix later...

And the Color Rangers.... Every bit as much fun as I'd hoped it would be. :D

I'm not sure I should say how many times I've watched that segment. I already lost count anyway.

[Fencedude]

Well, that was...random.

I like Kyojyu a lot.

[jlazar]

Well, that was...random.

I like Kyojyu a lot.

Very random. A bit hard to get into.

Seemed more like an art class lecture at times. Is the manga a how to deal of some kind? :)

Will watch a couple more episodes before deciding to drop it or not.

[Suwako Moriya]

Oh, Noda Miki, I just love your dedication to providing us with a variety of hairstyles. Also you just had to influence Tomokane and provide us with some dream scenes.

Which gave us a taste of some of the supporting cast. Although since it's an influenced dream I doubt I can trust it in terms of deciding what they're actually like.

Ah, nice to see the "narration" scenes included. Both the Miki and Miyabi versions made it in. We also got the God Pencil stuff. Yay for that.

The ending song this time is dedicated to Kisaragi herself. With lyrics likely meant to match her personality. Just like the first ending song did in regards to Tomokane.

Oh, and in this episode so we got a very special cameo! Yes, you guessed it. Kuro herself has appeared in the episode. Too bad it's one of those "We're only showing part of her shots".

Still just seeing her anime form is like the awesome. Although a Shoulder-A-Coffin-Kuro anime would be even better. Just needs the right studio for it. One that would provide the proper care for it.

[Suwako Moriya]

I like Kyojyu a lot.

Masa is the awesome!

[TalonG4]

Well, that was more educational then I thought it would be, I felt like I was watching Bottle Fairy. I liked it though.

What was with the chickens?

[Ashyukun]

Very random. A bit hard to get into.

Seemed more like an art class lecture at times. Is the manga a how to deal of some kind? :)

Will watch a couple more episodes before deciding to drop it or not.
Though comparisons to other mediums can occasionally get us into trouble on this board- it's a very accurate translation of the manga into motion. The earlier chapters of the manga are very random and all over the place. The manga is actually at least somewhat intended to help teach art/design/color theory so there are a lot of 'lecture' segments with Kyoju teaching about one thing or another to the rest of the cast.

The chickens... will probably be explained in the next episode or so. Probably next episode I'd have to guess. They're actually pretty funny in their own way (or at least how they relate to some of the cast).

I finally got to watch this translated, and loved it even more than when I watched it raw. It's an incredibly accurate transfer of the manga into animated form, which is quite an accomplishment IMO given the art style of the manga- the anime managed to keep it pretty perfect and look really good in motion as well. This is definitely one of my top shows for the season...

[Suwako Moriya]

[The manga is actually at least somewhat intended to help teach art/design/color theory so there are a lot of 'lecture' segments with Kyoju teaching about one thing or another to the rest of the cast.

In other words, she lives up to her nickname! Although as with any series that "educates". You have to be careful about whether or not the info is accurate. Not that I can confirm or deny myself.

This is definitely one of my top shows for the season...

It has a good chance of becoming my favorite show of the year. Although I have to keep in mind three things. The show could fall apart. There's still Autumn. That and I tend to be indecisive.

[HitokiriShadow]

Haruka Tomatsu was doing her best Mamiko Noto impersonation for Kisaragi. While it sounded a lot like Mamiko Noto, I had a feeling it wasn't actually her doing the voice. But I was very surprised (and impressed) it was Haruka Tomatsu. She only sounded like Haruka Tomatsu on a very few occasions; most of the time, she didn't sound anyting remotely like what I'm used to from her.


I don't have a particularly good record with 4-koma based shows. The only ones I particularly liked are Sketchbook Full Colors and Lucky Star, and the latter took a while to grow on me (If Hyakko was 4-koma based, add it to the list). So I didn't have particularly high expectations for this series.

I didn't care that much for it at first but grew on me a bit as the episode went on. Kyouju is definitely my favorite character at the moment. The cast is decently fun, but it too heavily focused on the art and how to do things and not enough on the characters. The first half in particular just wasn't very interesting or entertaining until it got to the pictogram stuff, since I could actually make sense of it. It wasn't until near the end of the episode that I was able to remember more than two of the character's names or felt I had a decent grasp on their personalities. It's hard to say how long I'll stick with this series, but I'm happy to give it a bit longer if only to hear more of Noto-ized Tomatsu.

[Suwako Moriya]

(If Hyakko was 4-koma based, add it to the list).

As far as I can tell, Hyakko is not a 4-Koma manga.

[something]

And with this, I've finally gotten through all my planned summer shows!

Episode 1:

- "GA?" "Galaxy Angels!" ...No wait a second.
- Kisaragi's glasses are very distracting. :sd: And wtf Tomatsu Haruka? Definitely something of a different role for her!
- Finished the OP, I'm already pegging Nodamiki and Miyabi as my favorites.
- Noda-chan aura!
- ...The Horie Yui character is the sane one? Yet more seiyuu confusion!
- Tomokane's pictogram is her standing over a collection of corpses? And she almost doesn't even sound like Sawashiro Miyuki!
- You can't have a red ranger in the CMYK sentai!
- Miyabi fitting herself into the corner was the cutest damn thing.
- Aahaha, Noda you are far and away the best. <3 "Those guys might be waiting to pick me up!"

That was rather different than what I was expecting, for better and worse. It was pretty enjoyable, but a bit heavy on the "let's teach about a hundred different techniques!" stuff. Some longer, more focused skits that don't jump around as much would be nice - gives a chance to get to know the characters better. This was a little spastic, though still cute.

Anyway, it was fun. Right now my ranking goes:
1) Noda-chan! She's unquestionably the best. I can't ever see that changing, <3
2) Miyabi! So I was right when I guessed at my two favorites.
3) Tomokane! Just from looking at her I would have expected last, but Sawashiro's energy shines through and boosts her up.
4) Namiko! Bit of a gap after Tomokane for me, but I got a kick out of her calling Miyabi "Masa".
5) Kisaragi! She may be the lead but I like all the others better so far.

[something]

I enjoyed watching it, even if it was slightly too manic in places. :)It will be curious to see if later episodes are less or more manic than the first episode. On a side note, I think I've watched the episode at least three times in full already.
Yeah, I'm hoping that this was just a bit too much on the spastic side simply because it was the first episode. I'd really like to see how a slower pace would work with the show.

[Suwako Moriya]

Tomokane's imagination conflicts with the others.

We get to learn Kisaragi's reason for enrolling. Or maybe not....

The interesting part is the episode allows to spend quality time with some other students including one that Kisaragi is familiar with.

Among those students, I think I have a liking for Chikako.

[Suwako Moriya]

We have the story of the black paint. Feel sorry for it. Also some fun with taking pictures among other things.

[Suwako Moriya]

The girls show off plenty of sketches to the teachers. I like how Tomokane is energetic about it.

It looks like we're going to be getting a decent amount of the secondary group. Which is fine by me because Chikako is like potentially the best girl in the series and the most attractive as well.

Namiko version of the ending this time. An ending that now has new animation to it. Same basic idea, but the background and activities being done are different than before.

Here's the fun part. There should be at least 12 episodes right? As such even if they have each of the five leads do the ending song twice that leaves two episodes left over.

Which makes me think we'll have a group version of the ending song. Personally I'd like for them to let the girls from the secondary group have a chance to sing an ending song. In fact I demand it.

[Ashyukun]

This episode made much more sense subbed, especially since some half of it is from past what the one volume of translated manga contains. But, it was great seeing what stories did come from vol. 1 animated. The 'what the chickens are saying' was actually funnier in the manga as I remember it, because they said that when Kyouju did it they could actually believe it was accurate (and it probably was :p). Seeing the God's Pencil story & Tomokane's fly catching was also great. But Noda provided the most amusement of course with her influencing of Tomokane's dreams. If Masa were a bit less awesome, Noda would easily be my favorite character. That she actually has a changing hairstlye makes her all the better.

Now, to watch ep. 3 raw tonight to test my theory that a subbed version will appear shortly after I break down and watch it raw...

[Suwako Moriya]

But Noda provided the most amusement of course with her influencing of Tomokane's dreams.

Remember glasses are the tell tale sign of the dark side!

[Fudce]

But Noda provided the most amusement of course with her influencing of Tomokane's dreams.

Remember glasses are the tell tale sign of the dark side!

And don't forget to check the back of the notebook!

[Suwako Moriya]

And don't forget to check the back of the notebook!

Things would be much simpler if heroines were to do just that.

[tadakichi]

Best joke in the whole episode was the gold pencil/silver pencil/lead pencil thing with Noda and Kisaragi. I know it was originally a fable or something like that, but I was instantly reminded of Zelda 3 and the original Harvest Moon.

Other than that, though, I didn't enjoy episode 2 all that much. The whole dream sequence in particular didn't do anything for me.

[Suwako Moriya]

Chikako's group ends up setting up a haunted house. One that eventually gets entered by Kisaragi's group. It figures that Tomokane would resort to violence...

[Suwako Moriya]

According to this article (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-08-10/ga/geijutsuka-art-design-class-ova-dvd-listed) there is apparently going to be an OVA for the series. If I'm reading that right.

[Suwako Moriya]

Chikako and Mizubuchi do the into. Their group gets a short scene as well.

The episode seems to mainly involve the Kisaragi group going on a trip and looking at artwork. Some amusing moments. As well as some hairstyle goodness from Miki.

[Suwako Moriya]

We get a discussion of various tones. Such as dull tone, vivid tone, etc.

Miki makes for a pretty, lovely, cute, attractive, adorable, sexy, divine, etc Witch. Yeah, it just looks good on her.

Kisaragi gets to be the lucky one to experience the dream sequence. Wait, maybe lucky isn't the right word here.

[Suwako Moriya]

Ah, so this time around we're getting Noda Miki with messed up hair. It's actually kind of nice to see.

Awara Chikako vs the wind! No matter you challenge, I'll be on your side. *Is totally biased*

Awara Chikako's expression as she looks at whatever is kind of fun to see. Also, I got to love some of the movements she makes later.

Noda Miki is taking advantage of the wind to play around and float(?). The wind runs off with Kisaragi.

Now Chikako and some blue haired girl are being silly.

Tomokane, I think those pencils are being sharpened a bit too much.

Ah, we get to kind of see Noda Miki's older sister. Well, sort of.

I need to come up with a way to differentiate between the two Tomokane(s). It would be easier if I knew their given names..

One more we are reminded of the fact that this school has quite a few chickens.

It's the return of the color rangers! As such, it's time for the introductions again. Although this time, they're detailed. More is being said and each has a fancy background. Miyabi continues to be dead pan. Kisaragi is nervous. Miki is looking lovely.

Heh, it seems they're having trouble getting in the right positions for the group pose. Heh, the guys watching them are just speechless by the awesomeness. Or rather they probably find the whole thing inane.

Suddenly, for no apparent reason there's a giant chicken. And it's even got a zipper on its back. Kisaragi, don't let Miki get blown away by the flapping wings. I have no idea what the point of painting on it was...

I think the lesson that we're being taught here is that "art based" powers are probably not effective against giant monsters or in this case giant chickens.

Well, everyone enemy needs a "true" form, right? At which point the girls remember that sentai are supposed to have a giant robot to make use of. Although this one looks like a thrown together side project.

So much for the robot. The giant chicken defeats it. And then the giant chicken gets defeated by Masa? I get the feeling that she's stronger than the rest.

Ah, it's time for the Professor to have the ending song. Next should be Namiko. Then it's a matter of what they do with 11 and 12. Not sure if there's going to be an episode 13 or not.

[Ashyukun]

We have the story of the black paint. Feel sorry for it. Also some fun with taking pictures among other things.
I love Masa and the black paint... so adorable.

I also want to see exactly what Noda's picture assignment was that pissed of her teacher and prompted the other class teacher to make lots of copies... :catgirl:

Now, if I could just understand more than 5% of what was being said. :sweat:

[Suwako Moriya]

Yes! The "dreaming in sepia with subtitles" joke was clearly used. Also, fun with hiding in cardboard boxes. Along with dramatic scenes. Miyabi's magnetic hairpin too! It's kind of fun how quite a bit can happen in a single episode as it were.

Oh, and the ending changed yet again. Apparently Namiko has the power to change the ending. I guess either only two of the characters will get three endings during the TV run or we'll get something special in 11 and 12. No idea if there will be a 13 and there's still the OVA.

[Suwako Moriya]

My love for Chikako has now increased. Also, it's kind of fun to note the connection between the two groups. Mizubuchi being a friend of Kisaragi. While Namiko's sister was president before Chikako.

Playing color tag was amusing. Especially since we got to see Noda-chan Primary Color Barrier. With it and Noda-chan Aura, she'll be unstoppable. Or maybe not.

[Suwako Moriya]

One thing I like about birthdays such as the one Namiko had in this episode is the more down to earth feel to it. I've experienced too many cases of the birthday having to be the most dramatic thing ever.

Even with the clubs merged A-san gets to remain the President. Although Buchi-san might have more power. In any case, the story behind the cottage made perfect sense. The Lord is a curious one.

[Ashyukun]

Playing color tag was amusing. Especially since we got to see Noda-chan Primary Color Barrier. With it and Noda-chan Aura, she'll be unstoppable. Or maybe not.
As I've said before: if it weren't for Kyouju, Noda would be far and away my favorite character. But then, much like... well, ALL the other art-shows, there's pretty much not a character I dislike at all among them...

[Fudce]

As I've said before: if it weren't for Kyouju, Noda would be far and away my favorite character. But then, much like... well, ALL the other art-shows, there's pretty much not a character I dislike at all among them...

I'm the same, each character makes me smile, and I love their different personalities. I guess they are all just a bunch of colourful characters!

[Suwako Moriya]

As I've said before: if it weren't for Kyouju, Noda would be far and away my favorite character. But then, much like... well, ALL the other art-shows, there's pretty much not a character I dislike at all among them...

Yeah, the cast in general is pretty nice. Although when it comes to the primary group, Miyabi and Miki would be the two that I most fond of. Secondary group would be Chikako and Mizubuchi obviously.

I'm the same, each character makes me smile, and I love their different personalities. I guess they are all just a bunch of colourful characters!

It just goes to show that to make the best picture you need a variety of colors. Heh, it will be amusing to see some of the responses to later episodes.

[William K]

Playing color tag was amusing. Especially since we got to see Noda-chan Primary Color Barrier. With it and Noda-chan Aura, she'll be unstoppable. Or maybe not.
As I've said before: if it weren't for Kyouju, Noda would be far and away my favorite character. But then, much like... well, ALL the other art-shows, there's pretty much not a character I dislike at all among them...

Kyouju's my favourite too. Love the quiet ones

[Suwako Moriya]

Kyouju's my favourite too. Love the quiet ones

Heh, with all this talk about favorites, I'm tempted to add a poll. Although even if I do, it would probably be best to let the show finish airing first.

[something]

Oh wow I can finally get somewhere in this show. I do hope it chills out a bit from its frantic ep 1 pacing.

Episode 2:

- Cute OP. I can't even remember if it appeared in ep 1. And now I need to relearn everyone's names because god damn it's been long.
- Heh, Miki reenacts the fable of the Golden... pencil!
- Hahah, thousand year old pencils huh. Everyone petting her head was super cute.
- I'm quickly remembering that Noda was my favorite. <3 <3
- Miyabi is looove too.
- Hah, wow, Noda has gone beyond mere sleep suggestion and into thought control at this point.
- "I had the logo of the dark side on my sketchbook too." Ahahaha.
- Hah, everyone is surprised to hear what GA actually stands for. Me too. :sd:
- Too many pencils! Hah, comparing it to lots of utensils in a fancy meal.
- Noda with the eraser <3
- ...Kuro cameo? ::looks:: Ah, same mangaka.
- Noda with her hair down!
- Miyabi 100001%!
- Twintail Noda!!

Yeah, I liked that a lot better than episode one. They really smoothed out the pacing. And Noda is love!

[something]

Hitotsu hitotsu hitotsu hitotsu~

Episode 3:

- Noda Noda Noda Noda~
- Tag, Kisaragi is it! Hah, Miyabi plays psychological tag.
- Ahhhhhhh I love Noda-hime! Color tag huh?
- I swear, Noda is the true main character. Thought collage! She's so cute right now.
- Noda's sister? DO WANT TO MEET.
- Oh hey, the Koshimizu Ami girl, ::checks:: Mizubuchi, is Kisaragi's friend!
- Heh I like their reactions to Kisaragi's explanation of why she enrolled. :sd:
- Chikako is Kanda Akemi, who sounds really familar but the only major role I know her in is Clannad's Ryou and she doesn't sound like that at all. Although there is definitely a similar feeling in how she hisses our her S's.
- ...Wait, how does the fine art club not have enough members in an art school?
- Oh, and Chikako just brought that point up. So why wouldn't they want to join...? Because they already do it anyway, I guess?
- And now Buchi explains just that. One of the pitfalls of typing as I watch. =P
- Side note: All series with a Koshimizu Ami role should come with an alternate audio track where she speaks all her lines in Horo's dialect.
- Ahhh! I love Chikako! She's just adorable.
- Yay color tag returned. I was hoping it would. Tomokane conquers!
- Miyabi assumes the burden of "it"!
- ...and buries it. XD
- Heh, as soon as the ED started I knew it'd be Noda's.

We need Noda and Chikako to become friends.

I think I liked this even more than episode two, so it keeps improving.

[something]

Episode 4:

- We need more of that assistant teacher, she's cute.
- And Noda poses all sexy-like!
- Aww, we didnt get to see what the teacher lady was photocopying.
- Haha, I love Tomokane's AIDMA answer.
- Lunch games! Poor Tomokane.
- "Don't fall in love with me just because I'm so cute!" TOO LATE!
- Don't get rid of Chikako's accent! Though to be honest I'd need to listen closer to make it out well, it's not as distinct as others I've heard.
- Noda and Kisaragi touching hands! <3
- Noda with glasses! Kisaragi without!
- "The inside of Kyoju's heart!" XD
- I think Noda may be a genius... of sorts.
- Action painting!!
- Paint flavored coffee...
- Hah I love how their art project keeps evolving. :sd:
- Awwww, Miyabi and the black paint <3

Smells like coffee and strawberry jam! Another really good episode. GA has clearly settled into what it wants to be, and I love it.

[Ashyukun]

The best part of this episode for me was the hair-down-version Noda. I absolutely love how his show (and the original manga too IIRC...) has her with so many hairstyles, since so often you only see characters change hairstyles for special occasions and such.

I loved the President's Cottage... reminded me a lot of the Akari House from Battle Athletess Daiundokai. :catgirl: The 'secondary' characters are definitely getting more fun as well...

[Fencedude]

Kyoju is win.

...that is all.

[Fencedude]

Not that the main cast isn't good, but I LOOOOOOOVE Chikako and Buchi.

[something]

Episode 5:

- Sotoma-sensei is pretty blunt. Though I can't blame him. :sd: I like their "designs" being about his dirty desk. And Noda's just being coloring in Tomokane's.
- Oh shit! I didn't even recognize Noda at first with her Hisa-like hair! SO CUTE!!
- Who is fruit punch punching? It's Namiko's birthday!
- Noda is the alchemist of darkness!
- They destroyed Chikako's house. ;______; That's so mean, Mizubuchi!
- That was an epic tongue click.
- Chikako Chikako Chikako Chikako Chikako Chikako Chikako <3
- Usami-sensei! Or... Samechan-sensei! So she has a name.
- Haha, how cruel. The true story behind Chikako's little house. I felt so sad seeing her all alone =(
- lol box house v2.
- Umbrellas! Come on Kisaragi, share your silly umbrella with everyone =D

New ED images! Looks like they got a bit older. Namiko's turn!

Now hopefully it won't be a few more months for the next eps...

[Fencedude]

The assistant teacher is great.

And, lets not sell Namiko short, she may be normal, but she's normal and has big breasts.

This is an important aspect of her character.

[Fencedude]

Samechan-sensei!

Good stuff with Chikako and Buchi, they're great together. <3

[Suwako Moriya]

Hah, everyone is surprised to hear what GA actually stands for. Me too. :sd:

In addition to being surprising, it makes it clear that the title is less redundant than one would first assume.

[Fencedude]

Hah, everyone is surprised to hear what GA actually stands for. Me too. :sd:

In addition to being surprising, it makes it clear that the title is less redundant than one would first assume.

As opposed to say, S.A.?

[Suwako Moriya]

I swear, Noda is the true main character. Thought collage! She's so cute right now.

Well, she certainly does a good job of providing the show with energy. Also, one has got to love the outfit she wore during the thought collage.

Side note: All series with a Koshimizu Ami role should come with an alternate audio track where she speaks all her lines in Horo's dialect.

That would be interesting, but then Mizubuchi and Asaka (Sketchbook) would never the same again.

Ahhh! I love Chikako! She's just adorable.

Her very presence made the series even better than it already was.

We need Noda and Chikako to become friends.

Such a scenario has great potential.

[Suwako Moriya]

And Noda poses all sexy-like!

Anyone wants to steal the photos that Tomokane took of Miki?

Don't get rid of Chikako's accent! Though to be honest I'd need to listen closer to make it out well, it's not as distinct as others I've heard.

I remember one show where the only reason I knew a character had an accent was because the show told me. Still regardless of whether or not I notice them, accents must be kept.

[Suwako Moriya]

The best part of this episode for me was the hair-down-version Noda. I absolutely love how his show (and the original manga too IIRC...) has her with so many hairstyles, since so often you only see characters change hairstyles for special occasions and such.

The changing of the hairstyle is the defining trait of Noda Miki. Although we must not forget that on occasion Masa will change her hair ornament. So she's like a milder version.

[Suwako Moriya]

Not that the main cast isn't good, but I LOOOOOOOVE Chikako and Buchi.

It's just too bad they're third years. Meaning if the manga goes far enough. Then again even if characters graduate, they can just change what type of focus they get.

[Suwako Moriya]

And, lets not sell Namiko short, she may be normal, but she's normal and has big breasts.

This is an important aspect of her character.

Speaking of her breasts, I like the fact they're the good type large as opposed to the annoying type large. As for being normal, there are times I think the only way to be a true odd ball in some series is to be the normal one.

[Suwako Moriya]

Good stuff with Chikako and Buchi, they're great together. <3

Would it be wrong to pretend those two are married?

[Fencedude]

Good stuff with Chikako and Buchi, they're great together. <3

Would it be wrong to pretend those two are married?

Pretend? I was taking it as an established fact.

[Suwako Moriya]

Good stuff with Chikako and Buchi, they're great together. <3Would it be wrong to pretend those two are married?Pretend? I was taking it as an established fact.

You're right, there's no need to pretend. Also, it took less time than I thought to get the type of response i was hoping for.

[Suwako Moriya]

Chikako draws pictues of what seems to be some sort of fairy tale. The girl involved in it looks like Kisaragi. Hence why glassed need to be drawn on her.

Chikako, Mizubuchi, and Kisaragi are all directly interacting with each other.

I love the idea of Chikako imagining herself as a princess. I'd like to see a more detailed view of that too. Heck, I'd like to see her in... I might be saying too much.

Miyabi wears the many hair ornaments.

Ah, Kisaragi ending this time. Usually we'd get Tomokane at this. I guess this means there's no telling what we'll get for episode 12.

[William K]

Playing color tag was amusing. Especially since we got to see Noda-chan Primary Color Barrier. With it and Noda-chan Aura, she'll be unstoppable. Or maybe not.
As I've said before: if it weren't for Kyouju, Noda would be far and away my favorite character. But then, much like... well, ALL the other art-shows, there's pretty much not a character I dislike at all among them...

Kyouju's my favourite too. Love the quiet ones

Hmmm, can people write with one hand and draw with the other? Kyouju is clearly sketching with her left hand in Episode 3 around the 9 minute mark (Noda too!), but in Episode 4 she answers the AIDMA question with her right

[Fencedude]

Hmmm, can people write with one hand and draw with the other? Kyouju is clearly sketching with her left hand in Episode 3 around the 9 minute mark (Noda too!), but in Episode 4 she answers the AIDMA question with her right

She could be ambidextrous.

Also, she's Kyoju. She can do anything she wants.

[Suwako Moriya]

Also, she's Kyoju. She can do anything she wants.

Ah, the perfect answer and one that could easily be used multiple times if one so desires. Masa is amazing.

On a side note, thinking back to the color tag game. Namiko talks about how it's been years since she saw a "barrier" ability used in a tag game in reference to the Noda-chan primary barrier.

Which makes me wonder. Does this means Namiko has been familiar with Miki for awhile? Or is the whole barrier thing not actually unique to Miki and perhaps someone else Namiko knew has used it?

Actually, in general aside from select instances we have no idea how long some of the characters have known each other. They could have met when high school started or met much earlier.

Then again, I suppose for the sake of a light series such as this it may not matter much and it seems that even if they didn't meet until high school, they've already become quite familiar with each other.

[something]

On a side note, thinking back to the color tag game. Namiko talks about how it's been years since she saw a "barrier" ability used in a tag game in reference to the Noda-chan primary barrier.
Which makes me wonder. Does this means Namiko has been familiar with Miki for awhile?
It actually makes me wonder if Namiko used to play tag with Nakamichi Kana.

Anyway, yes, I have sort of gotten the impression that Namiko and Noda have known each other for awhile, for some reason.

[KomoriKiri]

Hmmm, can people write with one hand and draw with the other? Kyouju is clearly sketching with her left hand in Episode 3 around the 9 minute mark (Noda too!), but in Episode 4 she answers the AIDMA question with her right

She could be ambidextrous.

Also, she's Kyoju. She can do anything she wants.


I just wonder if they're ever going to explain what's up with that nekomimi meido ghost that pops up behind her in the first ending animation.

KomoriKiri (né Wraith)
"Ah, Nidou. It was perverted beyond my wildest expectations."
-- Tsuyuri ("Doujin Work")

[Suwako Moriya]

I just wonder if they're ever going to explain what's up with that nekomimi meido ghost that pops up behind her in the first ending animation.

Speaking of which, the said ghost makes me think of the cat-girl twins in Shoulder-A-Coffin-Kuro.

[HitokiriShadow]

Ha, they actually had a cameo by the Shoulder-A-Coffin Kuro girl (Kuro? I haven't read it, so I don't know the characters).

I think they spent a little too much time on the dream segment, but it was still entertaining so it wasn't a problem. This episode was a definitely improvement over the first which, as I recall, was all over the place and focused way too much on art mechanics and not nearly enough on the actual characters. After this episode, I have a better idea of what the characters are like.

[Suwako Moriya]

Ah, nice to get at least a bit of Chikako goodness in the episode, but I wanted more. Then again, I'd say the same thing if she was on screen the whole time.

The primary five spend some time at Namiko's house. Where we learn that Miki likes to add extra ingredients! Yeah, she's that type of person. The results of it are about what you expect.

As for the question of the ending? Well, a new song starts playing round the 19:34 mark and through out the remainder of the episode and the credits. Also, they end up doing a merger of the three ending animations and transition into a fun chibi scene with the girls.

Well, it's now over. I guess all I can do now is wait for the apparent OVA and hope for another season. On a side note, I'm looking forward to volume 2 of the manga. It's closer than before and yet still feels far away.

Yeah, from start to finish this was my favorite Summer 09 series. It also rivals my favorite Spring 09 series. Which you can easily tell which that one is without me even saying so.

[Fencedude]

lol Tomokane's brother.

The whole haunted house part was hilarious, though my favorite part was traumatized Samechan-sensei. moe~~

Edit: lol, Sawashiro Miyuki plays both of the Tomokane siblings.

[Fencedude]

Yes! We need the girls to paint Namiko in the nude! THIS MUST HAPPEN!

Pretty amusing episode all around, Noda looks really good with twintails.

[Suwako Moriya]

lol, Sawashiro Miyuki plays both of the Tomokane siblings.

Yeah, finding that out was certainly amusing.

[Suwako Moriya]

Yes! We need the girls to paint Namiko in the nude! THIS MUST HAPPEN!

Exactly, Namiko should accept her destiny.

Pretty amusing episode all around, Noda looks really good with twintails.

On that note, I'm glad the twintails were included as part of her collection of hairstyles. As it would have been a crime for a character that changes her style on occasion to neglect the most important one of all.

[Fencedude]

The first part of the episode was kinda meh, but the surrealism with Kisaragi in the second half was fantastic.

[Fencedude]

Moral of the story?

Kyojuu is always the answer.

[Fudce]

but the surrealism with Kisaragi in the second half was fantastic.

Watching the surrealism "just a dream in a dream in a dream..." bit on the same day Shugo Chara used a similar plot device is out and out strange. But awesome.

[Suwako Moriya]

The first part of the episode was kinda meh, but the surrealism with Kisaragi in the second half was fantastic.

Speaking of the first half of the anime, I kind of like the fact the tone segments were all together. Better than having them spread across multiple episodes.

[Suwako Moriya]

If I take into account the shopping cart scene with Noda Miki's reaction to the child seat and her emphasis on the high school part in episode 7, I get the feeling that in spite of her childish nature, she wants to be treated as mature.

Also, I like the rule about how the ingredients must actually be food. Wait a minute here? Shouldn't that be a given by default.

Many characters wonder if someone is talking about them when they sneeze. On the other hand, Namiko actually has a decent idea who would be doing the talking.

[Fencedude]

Border of Life and Death?

USE YOUR BOMB NAMIKO! DODGE THOSE BULLETS!

...and uhh...Usami-sensei is still utterly adorable.

[Fencedude]

With her hair down like in this episode, Noda looks like Ushio.

And, Ushio would be all over Noda. Cute girls are cute!

Generally fun episode, even if nothing really leaped out at me.

[Fencedude]

That was quite amusing all in all.

Never listen to Tomokane and Noda when it comes to Nabe. Where's Kobato when you need her?!

[Suwako Moriya]

And, Ushio would be all over Noda. Cute girls are cute!

Maybe we should send Ushio those photos that Tomokane took back in episode 3.

Generally fun episode, even if nothing really leaped out at me.

The main part that stood out for me was the idea of a Princess Chikako. Also, when Masa with the clips in her hair. Both when Tomokane put them on her and when it was shown she put some on the back of her hair. It was kind of cute to see.

[Suwako Moriya]

Never listen to Tomokane and Noda when it comes to Nabe. Where's Kobato when you need her?!

My guess would be that she's getting lectured. Well, there's always calling apon Sora. I mean she has experience with feeding stray cats. All right, scratch that idea.

On a side note, I find it interesting how Noda Miki and Tomokane get called by their family names, Yamaguchi Kisaragi and Nozaki Namiko get called by their given names, and Oomichi Miyabi gets called by a nickname. It's like they wanted a mixture or maybe it's to show personal preferences.

[something]

GA Marathon time! Finally. Let's see if I can finish it all before I fall asleep.

Episode 6:

- Hitotsu hitotsu hitotsu hitotsu~
- Don't you chop my Noda.
- Chikako! Chikakoooooo! I love that Mona Lisa.
- Sawashiro Miyuki for Tomokane's brother! Will we get more Tomokane-family members for her to voice? =P
- Usami-sensei! <3
- Heh, Chikako has them sign a disclaimer XD
- The haunted house bit is great. Tomokane's brother has awakened to true evil. And Chikako almost gets the dude decapitated. Meanwhile, Noda has no idea whats going on....
- And how big is this art room? o_O

Heh. Good stuff, and it's Double Sawashiro Time! And Sawashiro ED too!

[something]

Episode 7:

- Chikako and Mizubuchi!
- Hitotsu hitotsu hitotsu hitosu~
- Ahahah! Chikako's art is brilliant. The school just can't understand her.
- XD! Miyabi! I love how her innocent explanation eventually becomes something from a horror movie. And then you find out you are the trump l'oeil!
- Man Tomokane is just such a burst of energy.
- Then we start talking about naked women! And about how things really haven't changed. XD
- Making your audience think dirty thoughts is the essence of art! See, fanservice is a legitimate artistic endeavor!
- We should get more Yoshikawa.
- Awwwwwwww. Everyone praising Kisaragi for her love of art~. Kisaragi, Sora and Yuno really need to hang out one day.
- Heh then another tromp l'oeil.
- Twintailed Noda!!
- Off to a major museum this time. Heh, Miyabi giving a faux-audio tour. XD
- Thinker Noda! Pieta Kisaragi and Miyabi! Heh, this sequence is cute.

Noda-chan Aura!

[something]

Episode 8:

- Hitotsu hitotsu hitotsu hitotsu~
- Hahah, glasses.
- Noda-chan is dangerous!
- Heh, Miyabi knows that black is the best. She buys it in bulk!
- Colorful mahou shoujo Miki becomes pastel!
- This is pretty cool. It's like they're going for the "be educational!" feel of the first episode, but the pacing is a lot better and we actually know the characters this time around. I like it.
- It might not be Tomokane who you most need to worry about being woken up by...

The surrealism dream was pretty good.

[something]

Episode 9:

- Hitotsu hitotsu hitotsu hitotsu~
- Keep the hair down, Noda! Keep it doooooooown!
- Miyabi is always prepared!
- Pupuppidoo? Make me think of Poppippo for a second.
- Her psychic powers failed her. =(
- Let us meet Noda-oneechan!
- Nice school where the students can just raid the medicine cabinet at will >____>
- Shape memory Titanic!
- Heh they're not going to show us her face, are they? :sd:
- Woah, this chicken is a jerk. But nobody messes with Miyabi.
- Haha, that was way funnier than it should have been. "Who put the extra color in?" "I did it!"

[something]

Episode 10:

- Hitotsu hitotsu hitotsu hitotsu~
- "I thought those cars used blood as fuel." Haha wow that is morbid, Kisaragi.
- Chikako wants to dress up in a costume and be abused by children? Thats... deviant.
- Hah! Their brainstorming for blood drive ideas turns to a lover's massacre.
- Chikako is the winner! Without realizing she submitted...
- Noda squished happiness!
- Heh, putting aside the strangeness of Namiko going along with Noda's silliness, I'm always a bit surprised when Kisaragi lets herself get wrapped up in these things as well. :sd:
- ...Miyabi is magnetic?
- Damnit, thought we'd get Tomokane x Noda mouth to mouth.
- Muffin mafia! XD
- Miyabi IS magnetic.
- "GA! So Cool!"
- A big cardboard box? Give it to Chikako!

More good stuff~. And they're older in the ED.

[something]

Episode 11:

- Hitotsu hitotsu hitotsu hitotsu~
- Finally getting Kisaragi involved with the fine arts club. Chikako gets to meet her!
- And they're putting together a picture book. I like the style they've got for it. Well, putting the guys aside.
- Noda with that wonderful Hisa-like hairstyle again~
- Hair clips =D
- Heh, it's like the models were sitting there waiting for a tsukkomi and, of course, it was up to Namiko to deliver.
- Miyabi bought the clips~

Boo, it's almost over.

[something]

Episode 12:

- Hitotsu hitotsu hitotsu hitotsu~
- "And you shouldn't read the text while you're walking..." :sd:
- Without tsukkomi Namiko, everything falls apart! She seems like the least interesting of the gang, but you can't leave that role unfilled!
- Also, more twintails!
- Heh finally Tomokane and Tomokane run into each other. Temporarily...
- Why are the cell phone vibration sounds being voiced by a human? :sd:
- Namiko is back~
- And turn in your assignments, you damn kids! Don't make Same-chan-sensei sad!
- Noda's assignment... >_>
- Heh, and there's Noda-oneechan again.
- Noda will keep them up alllllllll night. Yeaaaaaaaaah~! Sleepover!
- Heh, yaminabe sounds incredibly dangerous with this crew.
- Darkness beyond yaminabe! We have come to Chaos nabe!
- "Hell... and heaven!" Long soul is long!
- Always plan ahead. Hah.
- "A special rule: the ingredients must be food." ...>_>

I would easily be in for a lot more of this. Really cute ending, great characters, funny jokes, and girls in an art school always makes for a great theme. Very fun.

[something]

If I take into account the shopping cart scene with Noda Miki's reaction to the child seat and her emphasis on the high school part in episode 7, I get the feeling that in spite of her childish nature, she wants to be treated as mature.
The interesting thing about Noda for me is that despite being so wrapped up in fashion and girly stuff, she usually goes to school with a plain looking jersey jacket whatever thing. Though I guess her hairstyles are her way of being stylish. And she wears cute stuff outside of school.

[Fencedude]

- Without tsukkomi Namiko, everything falls apart! She seems like the least interesting of the gang, but you can't leave that role unfilled!

She also single handedly provides 60% of the tits of the five of them.

Kyojuu provides 30%

[something]

She also single handedly provides 60% of the tits of the five of them.
Kyojuu provides 30%
Speaking of, when Tomokane and Noda were looking scared by the classroom door after Namiko came back, it took a second to click with me that they were worried about Namiko finding out they'd messed with her assignment. My first impression came from Namiko's stretching pose and thinking it was her breasts they were reacting to. :sd:

[Suwako Moriya]

Heh they're not going to show us her face, are they? :sd:

The closest we came was that image of her in the magazine.

Woah, this chicken is a jerk. But nobody messes with Miyabi.

Interesting, how in both the scene imagined by Noda Miki and the one imagined by Tomokane, Oomichi Miyabi was like the super member. I guess it's probably related to the real life impression they give her.

[Suwako Moriya]

I would easily be in for a lot more of this. Really cute ending, great characters, funny jokes, and girls in an art school always makes for a great theme. Very fun.

I'm hoping the fact that the OVA DVD is the same price as the other DVDs means that it also has two episodes on it or it least has a double length episode. Still even two more episodes would not be enough. Plus April is still a long way away. Now back to the eternal question. Wait for a license or sacrifice some R1 series for the sake of Chikako and Miki?

[Suwako Moriya]

The interesting thing about Noda for me is that despite being so wrapped up in fashion and girly stuff, she usually goes to school with a plain looking jersey jacket whatever thing. Though I guess her hairstyles are her way of being stylish. And she wears cute stuff outside of school.

I sort of figured that she mainly wore it because she liked it better than the standard outfit. Also, I suspect while the school allows some freedom in terms of clothes to wear to school, there is still some sort of limit.

Speaking of outfits, unless I missed it, I don't think I saw anyone else wear the same outfit that Chikako is known to wear.

[Suwako Moriya]

She also single handedly provides 60% of the tits of the five of them.

Kyojuu provides 30%

So with Namiko providing 60% and Masa providing 30%, I guess I should feel a bit sorry for the other three. Then again a large chest would look wrong on Miki.

[Suwako Moriya]

Speaking of the OVA, for awhile I was wondering about the length of it. Since the listing at CD Japan stated the OVA is only 1 episode, but the OVA is priced the same as a regular TV volume which contains two episodes each.

So either they were charging double for a single episode or the OVA is longer. It seems like CD Japan has finally updated their listing of the OVA volume to include the run time. Or maybe they updated it earlier and I just never noticed now.

Now then, the normal volumes are listed with a run time of 50 minutes each. The OVA has a run time of 60 minutes. That means we're getting (more than) two episodes worth of content in the OVA.

That and since it's a single episode the Opening and Ending should play only once during that 60 minutes. As opposed to twice during the 50 minutes on one of the two volumes.

Here's hoping they'll animate some of the scenes shown in the opening that never made into the TV. One of which I got a feel for in the manga and I think would be amusing to see in the anime.

Also, I demand a Chikako X Mizubuchi ending animation!

[Suwako Moriya]

Sadly the episode is regular length and not double like I had hoped. I guess the "sixty" minutes at places like CD Japan and Amazon Japan must be including extras. Well, I'll find out eventually. Now on to the actual episode.

Yoshino Koshino an elder teacher in the school makes her entrance in the anime. She seems to be one of those tough critics. Which makes things hectic for Tomokane and Kisaragi. Although they get some help from Namiko and Miki.

Kisaragi talks about how she got a picture from her childhood friend Mizubuchi, and that inspired Kisaragi to get her own sketchbook.

Kisaragi deals with some errands in this episode which involves her walking around the school.

Over time Homura starts to make himself a makeshift robot costume.

I like the part where you have Kisaragi and Tomokane walk into a classroom where you have Nao, Mitsui and ???? in the room. Then suddenly the three of them gang up on Tomokane.

Miki makes a statement and gets dragged away by her home room teacher.

Kisaragi has found a dead body! Or rather she's found the one we know as Awara Chikako! The episode has suddenly become better. Yes, I'm biased.

Chikako has a special cardboard box with a hole cut out on top. She allows Kisaragi to lay down in the box with her and explains things to her. Suddenly a Mizubuchi appears.

Kisaragi was given the task to return Mizubuchi's sketchbook to her. It turns out that the reason Mizubuchi was missing it was because Chikako had taken it from her.

Mizubuchi plans her revenge. Oh, and she gives Kisaragi the picture that Chikako drew. I guess that's what you get for using another person's sketchbook.

In the alternate and none-existent version of that scene, Chikako and Kisaragi are caught sleeping together by a jealous Mizubuchi. Yes, my mind works that way.

Kisaragi plans to buy a new sketchbook.

Over all, the episode is definitely fitting with the rest of the series. I'm disappointed a bit though. Not just because it was shorter than I had hoped. The main reason is some strips that I hoped would get adapted did not.

Then again, some of the strips I was hoping would be adapted did get adapted in this episode. Such as the stuff related to Kisaragi's interaction with Chikako this episode.

Also, I already realize not everything was going to get adapted in one episode. Even if it had been double length, stuff would have been cut out. So the solution here is simple.

They need to do a second season of this series. So that they adapt the stuff that did not get adapted. Although I get the feeling that even if a second season is considered viable, it won't be for awhile.

[Ashyukun]

Finally got to watch the OVA episode, and definitely enjoyed it. I've not seen the strips for the first half (if it's not anime-original), but the second half I was quite pleased to see get animated since it allows Kisaragi to interract with a whole lot of other characters. Tomokane getting assaulted by the third-years (while they ignored Kisaragi) was quite amusing as was meeting up with all the art club members.

I definitely hope that there's a second season down the line at some point, but until then I'll just have to be happy with the manga still being translated and published (albeit rather slowly).

[Suwako Moriya]

Tomokane getting assaulted by the third-years (while they ignored Kisaragi) was quite amusing as was meeting up with all the art club members.

It just goes to show that for at least those three, Tomokane is more appealing. *Must resist urge to make joke about instant harem*

In any case, the main thing this episode needed was more time spent with Chikako. The most important art club member of them all.


I definitely hope that there's a second season down the line at some point, but until then I'll just have to be happy with the manga still being translated and published (albeit rather slowly).

I get the feeling if we're to get a second season, it will be closer to the release of the fourth volume. Although there are strips from volume 1 and 2 that didn't get covered in the anime.


It's hard to say how good its chances are. I believe the DVDs averaged somewhere between 4,000 and 5,000. However whether that's good enough for a sequel seems to depend on the series.

[something]

OVA

- Hitotsu hitotsu hitotsu hitotsu~
- Yet another Noda hairstyle!
- The art looks like it's leveled up a bit. A little more fluid, and the visual effect is kinda like it's been airbrushed.
- Wow, mean fashion teacher makes Kisaragi a total mess. She's going to have a nervous breakdown.
- But Noda is love. She gives Kisaragi the confidence to pass. <3

- Awww, how Kisaragi met Buchi! Cute.
- Also cute is Noda in the curtain.
- Tomokane is biribiri!
- Yay it's Usami-sensei.
- Ooooh they're going to Chikako's lair! Hahaha, rocket launcher.
- Chikako wasn't there. ;_;
- Tomokane gets assaulted by third years! And Kisaragi gets sent on yet another errand.

- CHIKAKO!! FINALLY! And her lovely box! I mean, temporary club room.
- Oooh, Kisaragi and Chikako lying down together in a cramped space. <3
- And there's Buchi and a cute ending.

Stop-motion? Did UFO Table take over? Anyway, nice episode, glad I finally got around to it.