Anime Banzai ! - アニメ万歳！- For Fans, By Fans

So one month into the season, what has happened to the shows we wanted to watch, we’d thought we’d watch and we’d thought we didn’t want to watch? Big surprises can come in so many different forms and from so many places.

What shows did we find interesting and what shows have let us down? Here’s what we feel about the shows we are watching this season.

Allison and Lilia

4 episodes down, this looks to be the adventure kind of show. The animation quality is nice and Allison is just love. Will hasn’t had much chance to shine thus far but with a new member, this can only get more interesting. The arial aerobatics are quite cool to watch and I simple can’t resist shouting “Do a barrelroll!” whenever they got someone on their tail. Still no sign as to who or what Lilia is however. A cross-dressed Will perhaps? =D Will keep an eye out for this one, for the aerobatics if nothing else.

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BUS Gamer

In our spring watchlist, we talked about this 3 episode series. Since it was short, I expected something along the lines like Baldr Force EXE or Phantom the Animation or what not. What I got was one and a half hours of my life wasted. If you haven’t watched it yet I suggest you don’t.

Verdict: Dumped and Burned

Code Geass R2

One of the hotly awaited shows ever since Code Geass Season 1’s cliffhanger, I’d say it’s doing a good job. Love how the story’s going, love Lulu and his “I pwned your asses twice before you knew it” look and LOVE this show. The episodes don’t come fast enough. I especially like the ending credits with all those character drawings. Anyone know where I can get clean versions? Lelouch is on a roll now that he has (sorta) pulled Rollo to his side. Damn, watching him brain-wash/mind fuck/screw Rollo’s mind upside down was creepy yet captivating in a hypnotic way. Now that the Black Knights are complete again, the Rebellion resumes! (Watchlist….tick tick tick tick…………maki-maki maki-maki maki-maki……..)
Rating: 5 out of 5

Although the season started off slowly with a time skip of one year and reintroduction of Lelouch and his Geass which gives off a restart kind of feeling, seeing how Lelouch makes a comeback is great! Generally, Sunrise has once again outdone themselves with the revival of the hit series. More psychological manipulation by Lelouch (look at Rolo), more war tactics that brings the enemies to their knees (Britannia Forces), more Déjà vu (Shirley x Lelouch) and a whole lot more action (New KNIGHTMARE FRAMES!!!), what more can you ask for?
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

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Itazura na Kiss

It started out as your typical romatic comedy. But after 4 episodes, I have come to really like the show. Despite the rather oldish looking style (to me anyway), Aihara Kotoko has that kind of sweet charm that is very captivating. Not to mention Irie Naoki’s aloof but nevertheless caring attitude creates alot of chemistry between him and her. Watching them bicker and Kotoko (so far) agonise is just so attention drawing. I’m sticking with this to the end!
Rating: 4 out of 5

This turned out to be good. The anime is very ’shoujo’, meaning that romance is the main focus of the anime. The anime also made me laugh most of the time, comedy plays an important role in shoujo type animes. The thing that bothers me is the animation. Even though it’s still bearable but I watched a lot of shows with great animation before, so I have been spoiled with great animations (so it’s my fault, lol). Secondly, it looks like Kotoko and Naoki are the only couples here. I prefer if they add one or two more couples so I won’t be bored with only one couple (a good example of anime with two or more couples is School Rumble). Looking forward to see how the story will progress..
Rating: 3.5 out of 5

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Kanokon

After episode 3, I have to agree with what the others are saying that this show has just promoted itself from just plain ecchi to soft porn O_o. I’m suppose one reason the show has people’s attention is that it differentiates itself from other ecchi shows by being blatantly open and outrageous. Not much action so far. I’ll wait abit longer to see how it goes.

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Kurenai

The show stands out thus far with oh so adorable Murasaki-chan as she explores the outside world and those emotional quarrels she has with Shinkurou. That’s a very interesting skill Shinkurou has. I’m very curious as to its abilities and orgins. Not much has been said about the other characters but I’m sure it can’t be any less interesting. I don’t like the OP though. While charming in its own right, it doesn’t seem to fit the darker theme of the show. I could be wrong though. On a side note, anyone noticed that suggestive scene in ep 4 where Shinkurou went to turn off the shower in the public bath for Murasaki-chan? (try pausing around 16:08 =D)
Rating: 4 out of 5

Kurenai shares an artwork style similar to Red Garden, which features more detail shading and also vivid colourings, which is something that captures my attention just like what Red Garden did. Seeing Murasaki exploring the school Shinkuro is studying in and how she learns about life through real life experience is what makes the series intriguing, on top of the bond that Shinkuro and Murasaki shares. If you are looking for something that is slice of life with a little bit of extraordinary elements, then Kurenai is definitely for you.
Rating: 4 out of 5

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Toshokan Sensou (Library Wars)

Initially, I was intrigued by such an interesting title. I thought perhaps it was about kids in a library or perhaps psychological warfare a la Death Note. Obviously I thought wrong. Legal Urban Warfare in defence of libraries from the nefarious censorship of the government? It’s so unusual it works! Not to mention I kinda like shows with a military setting (must be something to do with being a Singaporean). It has some comedic elements within the show which had me laughing and perhaps some romanic elements down the line are due soon? It will probably use the “Freedom of Expression” theme as the show goes on but whether it is the main story or is merely a plot device to advance the actual story still remains to be seen. Either way, this show has earned itself a place in my “To Watch” List.

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Nabari no Ou

The Master of Apathy is here as he charms you with his devilish tricks and messes with your head! Something I missed out in the Spring 08 watchlist, this is slowly turning into a must see for me. Maybe its because of after being exposed to god knows how many episodes of flashbacks and fillers have made me think any other ninja show would be tons better than Naruto. Still in the character introduction phase but the show just somehow screams WIN. I can’t get enough of the OP either.

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Nijuu Mensou no Musume (Daughter of Twenty Faces)

Another show starring Aya Hirano, this time as the seiyuu for a girl who is rescued/kidnapped by a famous thief from her uncle and aunt who are trying to kill her for her inheritance. She joins up with the charismatic “oji-san” and his band of merry men as they globe-trot arounf the world looting valuable stuff everywhere. Think Robin Hood and Sherlock Holmes rolled in together. The show is still taking slower pace compared to other shows this season with nothing really big happening. I’m not expecting anything explosive from this one but rather a more laid back story with some “woot!” moments when they pull off some cool heist. If you have watched “The Thomas Crown Affair”, maybe you can try this.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5

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Soul Eater

I was freaking psyched for this show when I heard they were going to do it sometime back since I read the manga before. With the prologues over, the real story begins NOW! So this would technically make it a 48 episode series with 3 specials I guess? They are sticking pretty close to the manga for the prologues so I guess we can expect the same throughout. Initially, I found the voices of the characters abit off. Or maybe the phrase “a tad too mature”. Anyway, I’m used to it now and if fact kinda like it. Especially Patty of the Thompson sisters for some reason. Maybe cuz she reminds me of Hinoko =D. I just love it when the show switches from wacky to serious combat mode. You can feel the mood change when the BGM changes and they get all serious. Not to mention the animation just kicks ass and the OP just blows me away. I hope they keep this pace all the way. There are a minimum of 2 emo-emo scenes somewhere though. One for Black Star and one for Maka and Soul. Oh well who cares?
Rating: 5 out of 5

First of all, OMG, I’m watching a shounen anime! And I actually like it! I knew that this anime will be different from other shounen animes judging from the trailer that was released earlier. Soul Eater has a ‘wacky’ theme and it focuses a lot on comedy. I mean, look at the sun and the moon in the anime, lol. The wacky theme is very important to me because I hate animes that are serious all the time and the wacky theme helps to make the mood ‘not boring’. The characters are lovable as well. Last but not least, the animations well done and the fight scenes are amazing. Much better than some shounen animes. I hope that they can keep the quality for 51 episodes.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

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Special A

While the first episode gave me a very good impression, the second episode kinda disappointed me. The drama during that boxing match just felt very forced. However, the 3rd episode regained the charm it originally had. I laughed at the cannonball onigiri. Also, Megumi is just so cute with her sketchpad. Another show I am starting to enjoy.
Rating: 3 out of 5

What do I think about this anime? Well, it’s not bad but it’s not very good either. This was my most anticipated anime this season but it seems that I over-estimated it a little. At first, I thought that this will be the next Ouran (I absolutely LOVE Ouran). But it isn’t, it turned out to be only half (or less) as good as Ouran. Enough of the bad things, my favorite part about Special A are the characters. They are interesting and all of them have different personalities. I wish that they will focus more on characters other than Hikari and Kei. The first 3 episodes only focused on both of them. Kei likes Hikari, we get it already. So tell us more about the other characters..
Rating: 3 out of 5

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ToLoveRu - Trouble

I kinda lost the plot somewhere. Can anyone tell me where or what it is or if it even exists? Okay. In all seriousness, I’m not really surprised the show took this path. Who is? Still, watching Zastin mess with Rito’s mind and flashing his light saber is kinda amusing.

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Vampire Knight

Zounds! Bishounen abound! To be honest, I still need to get used to the art style. I don’t dislike it. I’m just not used to it. That said, Yuuki and Zero arguing can be so adorable. I can’t get enough of the “Punch” and “Push” scene. I was pretty surprised that the Vampires controlled elemental powers although the OP should have given me a clue. The tempo is picking up with Zero being a vampire after all. Watch-list, tick.
Rating: 4 out of 5

My favorite anime this season so far. This series has a good balance of comedy and a dark story that other ‘vampire’ animes failed to do so (the ones that I have watched anyway). Too much comedy = Rosario + Vampire (not really funny, it just not serious) and dark story = Trinity Blood (too dark and serious, I ended up dropping the series for that reason). Maybe you can add romance in this anime as well. Everything is good so far and the story is progressing in a good pace (what do I know, I don’t read the manga). What worries me is, the anime is going to air for 26 episodes, but the manga is still running so the story is not finished yet. I wonder how this will turn out..
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

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xxxHOLIC Kei

Another one of my must watch series, it has not disappointed me thus far. While I’m glad the style remains the same, I’m not so happy about the resolution. Nothing much to say here since I’m blogging about it and all.

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Zettai Karen Children

Brought to you by the same people who did Hayate no Gotoku, I’d say this a great replacement. 3 episodes down, the story is moving along well with the character development while still slowly hinting at the main story that is coming up. For those of you who enjoyed Hayate no Gotoku this should be a must watch. Various elements that made HnG the enjoyable series that it is, like a whole cast of wacky characters, is present in this show. This is going to be on my “to-watch” list afterall. The OP and ED is pretty catchy too. And if it makes any difference (not to me), Hirano Aya voices Kaoru and sings the ED song.

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