tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65175498410405573792024-03-12T17:07:23.294-07:00Tigerclaw's Anime BlogUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6517549841040557379.post-44575361116353882752008-10-21T23:20:00.000-07:002008-10-21T23:20:41.378-07:00Kannagi - 03<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SP7EsWE912I/AAAAAAAAAIc/5OZ1d-GAplI/s1600-h/Kannagi03-008.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SP7EsWE912I/AAAAAAAAAIc/5OZ1d-GAplI/s400/Kannagi03-008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259857680935016290" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Impressions</span><br />I liked this episode because it had great balance. The way they were able to push the story forward without being predictable, the way they introduced the new characters without going into too much detail and dragging on, and the quality jokes with good timing really set this series apart. More shows should be like this.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SP7Cyid-aHI/AAAAAAAAAIM/IGjkzgIKDhk/s1600-h/Kannagi03-006.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SP7Cyid-aHI/AAAAAAAAAIM/IGjkzgIKDhk/s400/Kannagi03-006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259855588317096050" border="0" /></a>This episode centered around <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Jin's</span> school and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Jin's</span> art club. I found it kind of surprising that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Jin</span> was in an art club, but it should have been obvious after he sculpted <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Nagi</span> out of a tree trunk.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SP7Cs9Zu-dI/AAAAAAAAAHs/m_rUdr92n9s/s1600-h/Kannagi03-002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SP7Cs9Zu-dI/AAAAAAAAAHs/m_rUdr92n9s/s400/Kannagi03-002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259855492467849682" border="0" /></a>Still, I couldn't help but be reminded of other art <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">animes</span> like Canvas 2 and Honey and Clover. This makes me wonder what kind of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">anime</span> this is going to be since there's an art club theme, pop idol theme (or maybe it was just the opening theme), and the impurity cleansing theme going on.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SP7Cs9zYJUI/AAAAAAAAAHk/IudkdjkvxzE/s1600-h/Kannagi03-001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SP7Cs9zYJUI/AAAAAAAAAHk/IudkdjkvxzE/s400/Kannagi03-001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259855492575405378" border="0" /></a>I do like the new characters though. Especially <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Kimura</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Takako</span>. Her attraction to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Jin</span> as the pure innocent boy is really funny. I don't think I've ever seen a girl get a nosebleed before.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SP7EsNMp3KI/AAAAAAAAAIU/Y05jIKF5waQ/s1600-h/Kannagi03-007.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SP7EsNMp3KI/AAAAAAAAAIU/Y05jIKF5waQ/s400/Kannagi03-007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259857678551342242" border="0" /></a>The other guys seem like nice companions to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Jin</span>. There's the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">manga</span> drawing, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">anime</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">otaku</span>, and the big, innocent, genius who likes cute things. I particularly like how the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">manga</span> dude compared the series to a comic and said <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Jin</span> was the star; irony is great.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SP7CtJc4B7I/AAAAAAAAAH0/z1jwNqRK4R8/s1600-h/Kannagi03-003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SP7CtJc4B7I/AAAAAAAAAH0/z1jwNqRK4R8/s400/Kannagi03-003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259855495702251442" border="0" /></a>As always, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Nagi</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Jin's</span> interactions were chalked full of humor. When <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Nagi</span> started running towards <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Jin</span> I heard the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-7Vu7cqB20">Chariots of Fire</a> theme in my head only to be brought to a screeching halt when <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Jin</span> dodged her cold-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">heartedly</span>. The side comments about <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Jin</span> being a homo were also appreciated since I don't think they use the gay joke enough in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">animes</span>. Especially considering how many male leads always act disinterested in girls.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SP7CtQ5HEJI/AAAAAAAAAH8/i-1pQKrT0qE/s1600-h/Kannagi03-004.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SP7CtQ5HEJI/AAAAAAAAAH8/i-1pQKrT0qE/s400/Kannagi03-004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259855497699725458" border="0" /></a>They really brought up quite a few questions in this episode, like who was the guy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Nagi</span> likes. To me, that seems more interesting than the others but we are also given the question of why <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Nagi</span> is losing her powers and who <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Nagi's</span> sister is.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SP7CtnzRLyI/AAAAAAAAAIE/idaxZ_lX_Es/s1600-h/Kannagi03-005.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SP7CtnzRLyI/AAAAAAAAAIE/idaxZ_lX_Es/s400/Kannagi03-005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259855503849238306" border="0" /></a>Overall, I couldn't ask for a better third episode. I'm definitely sold on the series already. The next episode seems to focus more on Nagi's sister which will surely be an interesting development and well worth the wait.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6517549841040557379.post-15593024195277551872008-10-21T22:33:00.001-07:002008-10-21T22:47:28.875-07:00Kannagi - 02<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SP67TJn4VYI/AAAAAAAAAG8/E4eiTcP2SeM/s1600-h/Kannagi02-001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SP67TJn4VYI/AAAAAAAAAG8/E4eiTcP2SeM/s400/Kannagi02-001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259847352490415490" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Impressions</span><br />This was another great episode that had it all. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Nagi</span> was very funny and I have to say I am loving the dynamic between her and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Jin</span>. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SP67TKlWdRI/AAAAAAAAAHE/5LDoXW6u438/s1600-h/Kannagi02-002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SP67TKlWdRI/AAAAAAAAAHE/5LDoXW6u438/s400/Kannagi02-002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259847352748242194" border="0" /></a>Her character changes from the innocent, cute girl to the bossy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">tsundere</span> were so excellent that I actually believed her when she said she had split personalities. Kind of like <a href="http://myanimelist.net/character/426/Kozue_Aoba"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Kozue</span></a> from <a href="http://myanimelist.net/character/426/Kozue_Aoba"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Mahoraba</span></a>. I really dig her sense of humor.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SP67TaPQwbI/AAAAAAAAAHM/Bw5avjZ4JKk/s1600-h/Kannagi02-003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SP67TaPQwbI/AAAAAAAAAHM/Bw5avjZ4JKk/s400/Kannagi02-003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259847356950561202" border="0" /></a>Especially the bit about the wand perfectly being glued in the center was spot on. Also, you got to love the way she tries to cover it up as a cloth hanger. A+ for effort.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SP67TWC4WEI/AAAAAAAAAHU/5i8We3Wbtt0/s1600-h/Kannagi02-004.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SP67TWC4WEI/AAAAAAAAAHU/5i8We3Wbtt0/s400/Kannagi02-004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259847355824887874" border="0" /></a>It was also nice seeing a little bit of a love triangle, threes company misunderstanding type situation. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Tsugumi's</span> reaction to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Nagi</span> was priceless. In addition to all the romance and comedy, it was nice to see them show a little bit more of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Nagi's</span> mystical powers as a goddess.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SP67Thio73I/AAAAAAAAAHc/yqlFGN_Kmhg/s1600-h/Kannagi02-005.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SP67Thio73I/AAAAAAAAAHc/yqlFGN_Kmhg/s400/Kannagi02-005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259847358910885746" border="0" /></a>Albeit a sad situation where the two baby kittens died (shame on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Jin</span> for being so stingy and cold), it was a very touching scene that brought a nice contrast to the fun, comedic scenes.<br /><br />Overall, I think the series is heading in the right place and next week's episode seems like it will continue the trend.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6517549841040557379.post-40664247790164551912008-10-20T13:50:00.001-07:002008-10-20T14:21:28.614-07:00Skip Beat - 02<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPz0SuFSRmI/AAAAAAAAAFs/brnbbENrMsQ/s1600-h/SkipBeat02-002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPz0SuFSRmI/AAAAAAAAAFs/brnbbENrMsQ/s400/SkipBeat02-002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259347067306919522" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Impressions</span><br />First of all, I loved this episode. Seriously, I loved it. Kyoko is so hilarious and fun to watch. Her tenacity and fighting spirit reminds me of <a href="http://myanimelist.net/character/198/Tenma_Tsukamoto">Tenma</a> from <a href="http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=4114">School Rumble</a>. She's so frank and aggressive that she is almost a guy which is a great thing considering a lack of a good opposing lead at this point in time.<br /><br />Normally, I hate watching shows where the lead is a girl because they always seem too nice and cute to have any merits. However, I really like Kyoko's aggressive personality and her sense of humor. Her dominating and oblivious to reality personality reminds me of <a href="http://myanimelist.net/character/251/Haruhi_Suzumiya">Suzumiya, Haruhi</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPz0bmZocNI/AAAAAAAAAGU/dzV2v5LEXHo/s1600-h/SkipBeat02-007.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPz0bmZocNI/AAAAAAAAAGU/dzV2v5LEXHo/s400/SkipBeat02-007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259347219863597266" border="0" /></a>The way she stalks Takenori Sawara and laughs to herself in her room were so freaking hilarious. Her outrageous personality makes me want to form a cheering section for her. Go Kyoko!!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPz0bbjwYDI/AAAAAAAAAGM/4Z5aALWm7bo/s1600-h/SkipBeat02-006.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPz0bbjwYDI/AAAAAAAAAGM/4Z5aALWm7bo/s400/SkipBeat02-006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259347216953270322" border="0" /></a>And I just L-O-V-E her angry face.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPz0cH4sriI/AAAAAAAAAGc/l_dZz_NdDsY/s1600-h/SkipBeat02-008.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPz0cH4sriI/AAAAAAAAAGc/l_dZz_NdDsY/s400/SkipBeat02-008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259347228852268578" border="0" /></a>I just...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPz0S4MbyGI/AAAAAAAAAF0/n0uPc2pmUeI/s1600-h/SkipBeat02-003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPz0S4MbyGI/AAAAAAAAAF0/n0uPc2pmUeI/s400/SkipBeat02-003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259347070021257314" border="0" /></a>can't...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPz0T83idGI/AAAAAAAAAGE/eQGw5Hs9F1k/s1600-h/SkipBeat02-005.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPz0T83idGI/AAAAAAAAAGE/eQGw5Hs9F1k/s400/SkipBeat02-005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259347088455660642" border="0" /></a>get...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPz0crQT8yI/AAAAAAAAAGk/awcYqlB9uto/s1600-h/SkipBeat02-009.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPz0crQT8yI/AAAAAAAAAGk/awcYqlB9uto/s400/SkipBeat02-009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259347238346552098" border="0" /></a>enough of it!<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPz0TIjac5I/AAAAAAAAAF8/1AiRiEeHsxM/s1600-h/SkipBeat02-004.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPz0TIjac5I/AAAAAAAAAF8/1AiRiEeHsxM/s400/SkipBeat02-004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259347074412606354" border="0" /></a>The male characters are surprisingly funny to watch in their own right. Sawara's reactions are so hilarious and I'm so looking forward to their future interactions.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPz0RlPIwQI/AAAAAAAAAFk/nWFlLchUgIE/s1600-h/SkipBeat02-001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPz0RlPIwQI/AAAAAAAAAFk/nWFlLchUgIE/s400/SkipBeat02-001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259347047752450306" border="0" /></a>Also, Kyoko's imaginary Sho is so much better than the real Sho. The way he torments her is so funny.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPz0c1Q7NiI/AAAAAAAAAGs/kNnXIRjgW-Q/s1600-h/SkipBeat02-010.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPz0c1Q7NiI/AAAAAAAAAGs/kNnXIRjgW-Q/s400/SkipBeat02-010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259347241033479714" border="0" /></a>In addition, the president of the studio seems to be a rather eccentric character and is sure to bring the funny in the future.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPz0hM22b4I/AAAAAAAAAG0/rBUFaqv296M/s1600-h/SkipBeat02-011.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPz0hM22b4I/AAAAAAAAAG0/rBUFaqv296M/s400/SkipBeat02-011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259347316086042498" border="0" /></a>This show has something good and it wouldn't be a surprise if this is one of the top animes this season or one of the top comedies of all time. That being said, I am so looking forward to next week's episode as the cliffhanger really has me sitting on the edge of my seat.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPz0hM22b4I/AAAAAAAAAG0/rBUFaqv296M/s1600-h/SkipBeat02-011.jpg"><br /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6517549841040557379.post-67916004979061745822008-10-20T12:52:00.000-07:002008-10-20T13:13:16.360-07:00Skip Beat - 01<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPzkHcZCR9I/AAAAAAAAAEs/TzzeXhUn0Uc/s1600-h/SkipBeat01-003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPzkHcZCR9I/AAAAAAAAAEs/TzzeXhUn0Uc/s400/SkipBeat01-003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259329281393313746" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Impressions</span><br />Wow, I have to admit, at the beginning of this episode I thought this was going to be another lame series where the weak girl fawns over the cool guy like in <a href="http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=9193">Itazura na Kiss</a>. They did a great job of selling that angle and making you feel for Kyoko, the female lead.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPzkHhfH_xI/AAAAAAAAAE0/duyxinPnZlM/s1600-h/SkipBeat01-002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPzkHhfH_xI/AAAAAAAAAE0/duyxinPnZlM/s400/SkipBeat01-002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259329282761031442" border="0" /></a>Honestly, I really wanted to kick Sho's pompous ass. He was such a jackass and really didn't deserve to be pampered like that. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPzkH5aFW5I/AAAAAAAAAE8/g-83a2ECxmo/s1600-h/SkipBeat01-004.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPzkH5aFW5I/AAAAAAAAAE8/g-83a2ECxmo/s400/SkipBeat01-004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259329289182337938" border="0" /></a>I was so happy when the female lead changed gears and actually started to defend herself. I'm not much of a feminist, but I hate seeing girls falling for jerks. As much as I hate the jerks, I'd have to say I hate the girls more for being so weak.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPzkRymOs7I/AAAAAAAAAFU/jBd6O9NlPMA/s1600-h/SkipBeat01-007.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPzkRymOs7I/AAAAAAAAAFU/jBd6O9NlPMA/s400/SkipBeat01-007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259329459152925618" border="0" /></a>(Before and After)<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPzkMULn_mI/AAAAAAAAAFM/hxdTeWOxi1c/s1600-h/SkipBeat01-006.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPzkMULn_mI/AAAAAAAAAFM/hxdTeWOxi1c/s400/SkipBeat01-006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259329365088927330" border="0" /></a>That being said, her transformation really makes me excited to see the next episode and what her new character will be like. I have a feeling that she will end up with Ren and make Sho feel jealous which wouldn't be a bad story. In fact, I think this series is going to be very original as I haven't seen a revenge through show business type of story before. I think this will definitely be one of my favorite shows this season.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPzkIDC9wkI/AAAAAAAAAFE/q9cOjvbhCTM/s1600-h/SkipBeat01-005.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPzkIDC9wkI/AAAAAAAAAFE/q9cOjvbhCTM/s400/SkipBeat01-005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259329291769725506" border="0" /></a>(Gar!)</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6517549841040557379.post-44245383122717770822008-10-20T11:42:00.001-07:002008-10-20T12:23:06.595-07:00Tales of the Abyss - 04<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPzYp-bPzpI/AAAAAAAAAEE/cPo7vmw4VeU/s1600-h/TalesoftheAbyss04-004.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPzYp-bPzpI/AAAAAAAAAEE/cPo7vmw4VeU/s400/TalesoftheAbyss04-004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259316680505413266" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Impressions</span><br />I was really disappointed with this episode. The problem wasn't the characters (even though Luke's arrogant cowardice is really annoying) or the plot. The problem was the way they put everything together. Their transitions are too rough and sudden and break the flow of the episode.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPzT-3VXz_I/AAAAAAAAADk/nwaFjnEt6oQ/s1600-h/TalesoftheAbyss04-001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPzT-3VXz_I/AAAAAAAAADk/nwaFjnEt6oQ/s400/TalesoftheAbyss04-001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259311541820837874" border="0" /></a>For example, one moment they are reading a letter from Anise about her journey and the next moment they are off on the road fighting monsters. It makes sense that they'd fight monsters on their way to Anise but it was so sudden that it felt random. At the very least, they could have shown them walking or say something like "let's get on our way." They left me thinking there would be more dialogue about the brother and then they cut us off at the last minute. I felt like I was being blue balled.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPzZcsfk5_I/AAAAAAAAAEc/MBrjCxy2DLE/s1600-h/TalesoftheAbyss04-007.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPzZcsfk5_I/AAAAAAAAAEc/MBrjCxy2DLE/s400/TalesoftheAbyss04-007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259317551865063410" border="0" /></a>The series lacks a strong frame of reality and so many times I'm reminded that I'm not in the anime but a person watching it from a computer. That's a serious flaw in my opinion; especially since this is supposed to be a fantasy anime that draws people into the world.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPzY6CYboeI/AAAAAAAAAEM/l2Wkfl6vRc8/s1600-h/TalesoftheAbyss04-005.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPzY6CYboeI/AAAAAAAAAEM/l2Wkfl6vRc8/s400/TalesoftheAbyss04-005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259316956445254114" border="0" /></a>Another problem they need to fix is the way they explain everything in the series. Most of the dialogue in this episode came from explaining everything to Luke. I get that he's had a sheltered life but I hate being spoon-fed all this information. It's a very boring way of catching everyone up.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPzUJ1WqONI/AAAAAAAAADs/s_aS-a1c6go/s1600-h/TalesoftheAbyss04-002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPzUJ1WqONI/AAAAAAAAADs/s_aS-a1c6go/s400/TalesoftheAbyss04-002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259311730267928786" border="0" /></a>Despite these problems, I really like Tear and the way her and Luke interact. They look cute together. Tear's character is drawn so well and she just screams C.C. any way you look at her. However, I have to say Luke's outfit makes him look pretty gay.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPzXTTQpV1I/AAAAAAAAAD8/2L8M9NIFbl8/s1600-h/TalesoftheAbyss04-003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPzXTTQpV1I/AAAAAAAAAD8/2L8M9NIFbl8/s400/TalesoftheAbyss04-003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259315191449474898" border="0" /></a>I was also a fan of Anise's mood swings. She reminded me of <a href="http://myanimelist.net/character/2625/Maki">Maki</a> from <a href="http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=7460">Seto no Hanayome</a>. Hopefully, we get to see more of that angry side of her in future episodes for comedic relief. Personally, I wouldn't mind seeing her kick Luke's ass.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPzZcBJnoAI/AAAAAAAAAEU/ZqjGejm82DE/s1600-h/TalesoftheAbyss04-006.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPzZcBJnoAI/AAAAAAAAAEU/ZqjGejm82DE/s400/TalesoftheAbyss04-006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259317540230242306" border="0" /></a>I still like this series so I'm hoping the next episodes will be more like they were in the first three episodes. Luke is going home next week but I hope their journey will last more than 2 seconds this time.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6517549841040557379.post-61008781762549797492008-10-17T13:39:00.003-07:002008-10-17T14:16:44.981-07:00Clannad After Story - 03<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPj4HSOTTKI/AAAAAAAAACs/uT7S6Odrfkc/s1600-h/ClannadAS03-001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPj4HSOTTKI/AAAAAAAAACs/uT7S6Odrfkc/s400/ClannadAS03-001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258225368989650082" border="0" /></a>Kawaii! Mei-chan was so cute this episode. It was hilarious watching her cling onto Sanae and apologizing for her brother being so lame.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPj4382R7AI/AAAAAAAAAC0/b6ym9pgoYYo/s1600-h/ClannadAS03-002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPj4382R7AI/AAAAAAAAAC0/b6ym9pgoYYo/s400/ClannadAS03-002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258226205065341954" border="0" /></a>On the other hand, Sunohara was also funny in his own goofy way.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPj63LeP_lI/AAAAAAAAAC8/JZI27UJYKOk/s1600-h/ClannadAS03-003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPj63LeP_lI/AAAAAAAAAC8/JZI27UJYKOk/s400/ClannadAS03-003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258228390834470482" border="0" /></a>I liked his swordfish hero skills, very entertaining. His antics reminded me of <a href="http://myanimelist.net/character/334/Jun_Kitagawa">Jun Kitagawa</a> from Kannon and his elvis dance routine.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPj63aemKrI/AAAAAAAAADE/23YjQkTtfrI/s1600-h/ClannadAS03-004.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPj63aemKrI/AAAAAAAAADE/23YjQkTtfrI/s400/ClannadAS03-004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258228394862455474" border="0" /></a>However, I kind of felt like Tomoya was being a dick to him this episode. He should have told him that Sanae was Nagisa's mother when he started developing feelings for her. Not sure why he would purposely set him up like that. However, I was even more surprised when Sanae agreed to go out with him again. Scandalous!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPj63oONXdI/AAAAAAAAADU/5fyDFkl7NKI/s1600-h/ClannadAS03-006.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPj63oONXdI/AAAAAAAAADU/5fyDFkl7NKI/s400/ClannadAS03-006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258228398551817682" border="0" /></a>Onee-chan! I didn't know Tomoya was into that brother-sister roleplaying thing. It was really funny to see him get so excited whenever Mei-chan called him Onee-chan.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPj63Q2GMzI/AAAAAAAAADM/OA0fVyunrvo/s1600-h/ClannadAS03-005.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPj63Q2GMzI/AAAAAAAAADM/OA0fVyunrvo/s400/ClannadAS03-005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258228392276669234" border="0" /></a>Especially, when those three found out about it and ran away like he was some sex-crazed pervert. The dropping of the ice cream was a great touch. <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0280590/">Genius, genius, genius!</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPj63n5YsaI/AAAAAAAAADc/8zj-vdb4rpM/s1600-h/ClannadAS03-007.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPj63n5YsaI/AAAAAAAAADc/8zj-vdb4rpM/s400/ClannadAS03-007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258228398464479650" border="0" /></a>I can only suppose Sunohara is so down at the end because Sanae dumped him. That would explain why he didn't argue with Tomoya dating Mei-chan. However, I think it was still a dick move for Tomoya to butt in like that and make up that fake story. Way to kick a man while he's down, jerk! Hopefully, the next episode will be as entertaining, but from the look of it, I think it will be more drama oriented than comedy oriented which may or may not be a bad thing.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6517549841040557379.post-6328901832167335422008-10-17T11:49:00.004-07:002008-10-17T12:58:20.374-07:00Toradora - 03<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPjl30rzZvI/AAAAAAAAAB0/UwXHrK_dnfM/s1600-h/Toradora03-001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPjl30rzZvI/AAAAAAAAAB0/UwXHrK_dnfM/s400/Toradora03-001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258205312152987378" border="0" /></a>Barely a minute into the episode and we already have <a href="http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/people.php?id=808">Kugimiya, Rie</a> uttering her famous "Urusai, urusai!" line. Funny? A little, maybe. Irritating? Yeah, it's getting there... I liked her character in <a href="http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=5943">Shakugan no Shana</a> but I hope we won't have to hear her say this line every episode. I think it's becoming the japanese equivalent of the bud light <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L38wthA4Ld0">wassup</a> guys.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPjplFi3NWI/AAAAAAAAACk/YKbcMWmdfsA/s1600-h/Toradora03-007.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPjplFi3NWI/AAAAAAAAACk/YKbcMWmdfsA/s400/Toradora03-007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258209388307887458" border="0" /></a>I think I'm getting used to the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxtg7KEuuSw">opening song</a> already. Originally, I didn't really like the techno like beat but it's too catchy for it's own good.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPjl4VcGtkI/AAAAAAAAACE/xypb0AAjEaA/s1600-h/Toradora03-003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPjl4VcGtkI/AAAAAAAAACE/xypb0AAjEaA/s400/Toradora03-003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258205320945514050" border="0" /></a>This episode revolved around Ryuuji's crush, Minori and her various jobs. They did a good job of fleshing out her character so we can understand a little bit why he likes her. She's a bit tom-boyish and energetic but at this point it seems like Minori and Ryuuji's personalities clash.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPjl4Q1gzsI/AAAAAAAAACM/02c6m_FTD6U/s1600-h/Toradora03-004.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPjl4Q1gzsI/AAAAAAAAACM/02c6m_FTD6U/s400/Toradora03-004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258205319709904578" border="0" /></a>Ryuuji seems like a dependable guy (albeit shy) and Minori seems like the kind of girl who can stand on her own (or at least wants to). Maybe later on they will show Minori's weak side but she doesn't really seem like a believable love interest.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPjl4GuTSSI/AAAAAAAAAB8/xTDYpX31NzA/s1600-h/Toradora03-002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPjl4GuTSSI/AAAAAAAAAB8/xTDYpX31NzA/s400/Toradora03-002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258205316995303714" border="0" /></a>Over on Taiga's side, she is really overworking the tsundere angle. I think she's way too hard on Ryuuji for liking Minori. It just doesn't make sense for Taiga to try to help him get Minori and then beating him up whenever he thinks about her. I know the tsundere angle is an important comedic element, but they could use it better or at least lighten up a bit.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPjl4kUmb0I/AAAAAAAAACU/8BZknhvqi7U/s1600-h/Toradora03-005.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPjl4kUmb0I/AAAAAAAAACU/8BZknhvqi7U/s400/Toradora03-005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258205324940570434" border="0" /></a>Wow, there was definite cupping! I like the way that old guy thinks... Hilarious!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPjl8iMWvYI/AAAAAAAAACc/VDPhLYRuhoI/s1600-h/Toradora03-006.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPjl8iMWvYI/AAAAAAAAACc/VDPhLYRuhoI/s400/Toradora03-006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258205393088593282" border="0" /></a>Overall, the episode wasn't anything special but it was decent. I hope they can start moving the story along a little faster though, some of the parts seemed to drag on forever and go nowhere. Particularly the scene where Ryuuji and Minori are locked in the shed. Normally, situations like that would be more romantic and tension filled but I felt like it was too early for this scene since nothing happened to the two of them while they were alone. Hopefully, things will heat up next week.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6517549841040557379.post-23902897207746337302008-10-16T15:48:00.000-07:002008-10-16T16:19:14.997-07:00Kannagi - 01<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPfFohALftI/AAAAAAAAABE/S7lzNNUU3Ds/s1600-h/Anime008.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPfFohALftI/AAAAAAAAABE/S7lzNNUU3Ds/s400/Anime008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257888389822906066" border="0" /></a>Wow, what an awesome opening! The song is so catchy and fun and the dancing animation is top notch. This show holds a lot of promise although at this point I'm not really sure where the show is going. Basically, the male lead, Jin, carves a goddess out of a tree trunk and goes around purify impurities that come out of the land. Surprisingly, Jin is okay with all of this and is very hospitable to the goddess despite her arrogant and commanding nature.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPfHqUwUCzI/AAAAAAAAABM/0ua0Bgr4STQ/s1600-h/Anime009.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPfHqUwUCzI/AAAAAAAAABM/0ua0Bgr4STQ/s400/Anime009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257890619918125874" border="0" /></a>Jin seems like a very reliable and aimiable male lead. His reactions to the Nagi (the goddess) are always entertaining.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPfIXsGyziI/AAAAAAAAABU/hrnPYDbiFkM/s1600-h/Anime010.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPfIXsGyziI/AAAAAAAAABU/hrnPYDbiFkM/s400/Anime010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257891399280545314" border="0" /></a>Nagi is one of the funniest female leads ever. Her innocent arrogance and sense of humor make her a lovable and cute character. I think at the end of the series she will end up being one of my favorites along with Suzumiya, Haruhi and Nodame.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPfJSo2KnxI/AAAAAAAAABc/u1NEBhGSCic/s1600-h/Anime011.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPfJSo2KnxI/AAAAAAAAABc/u1NEBhGSCic/s400/Anime011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257892412017778450" border="0" /></a>Together, I think the two have such a great dynamic and they easily carry the episode despite being the only characters at this point in time.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPfJmeXN7hI/AAAAAAAAABk/gtzg8zI-iJM/s1600-h/Anime012.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPfJmeXN7hI/AAAAAAAAABk/gtzg8zI-iJM/s400/Anime012.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257892752801000978" border="0" /></a>However, I could do without the male nudity which reminds me of <a href="http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=6077">Inukami</a>. There are a lot of other funny moments in this episode like when Jin turns on the TV and sees a lingerie commercial so it's nice to see they don't discriminate.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPfKu0O64kI/AAAAAAAAABs/eDKf1Rew3iY/s1600-h/Anime013.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPfKu0O64kI/AAAAAAAAABs/eDKf1Rew3iY/s400/Anime013.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257893995622359618" border="0" /></a><br />Overall, I think this episode is definitely worth a watch and this series may end up being one of the best brand new series of Fall 2008.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6517549841040557379.post-40594536376209022412008-10-16T14:18:00.000-07:002008-10-16T15:12:32.388-07:00Nodame Cantabile Paris Chapter - 01<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPezKNla7gI/AAAAAAAAAAU/8PyXIlzqEgA/s1600-h/Anime002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPezKNla7gI/AAAAAAAAAAU/8PyXIlzqEgA/s400/Anime002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257868078005022210" border="0" /></a>Having been a huge fan of the first series, I expected a lot from the second season. Thankfully, the first episode does not disappoint. The series follows Chiaki and Nodame as they study music in Paris and is only elven episodes long which makes me curious about the pacing of the story. The first series was 23 episodes but every episode was fantastic and meaningful. I hope they don't end up hurrying the production because Nodame has always been a relaxing anime to watch; especially during the long orchestral pieces.<br /><br />The opening for the Paris Chapter was not nearly as good as the first season's <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0a-HV2wpeBw">opening</a>, but I could see it grow on me as the season progresses. The music selection was still fun to listen to and you got to feel fuzzy and nostalgic hearing Nodame playing the piano once again.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPe3Qg58hkI/AAAAAAAAAAc/CPecK1pW8BQ/s1600-h/Anime003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPe3Qg58hkI/AAAAAAAAAAc/CPecK1pW8BQ/s400/Anime003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257872584317109826" border="0" /></a><br />It's nice to see that Nodame and Chiaki are neighbors again and that Nodame is still hopelessly in love with Chiaki. However, Chiaki does seem a little put off by it which seems to irritate me a bit seeing as how he's the one who asked her to come with him. Hopefully the two will actually hit it off despite Chiaki saying they weren't a couple (Honestly, what is he thinking???).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPe7Koq7kJI/AAAAAAAAAA8/KfFRlS52laY/s1600-h/Anime007.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPe7Koq7kJI/AAAAAAAAAA8/KfFRlS52laY/s400/Anime007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257876881368912018" border="0" /></a>At least we see moments that lead us to believe his actions and words don't match up.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPe4HcrdqNI/AAAAAAAAAAk/laj_WetlnlI/s1600-h/Anime004.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPe4HcrdqNI/AAAAAAAAAAk/laj_WetlnlI/s400/Anime004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257873528075430098" border="0" /></a>I'm not a big fan of the new characters as Frank seems more like a side character than a rival for Nodame and Tanya seems like a stereotypical blonde fan service character.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPe41fsZtGI/AAAAAAAAAAs/EB-_ZbbfEAM/s1600-h/Anime005.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPe41fsZtGI/AAAAAAAAAAs/EB-_ZbbfEAM/s400/Anime005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257874319158654050" border="0" /></a>On a positive note, we finally get to see Viera-sensei in action. Chiaki wants to wait until he can prove he's worthy of being Viera's new pupil so I wouldn't expect to see him again for awhile. Perhaps as the OP indicates, we will be seeing more of Stresemann-sensei first which wouldn't be a bad thing since I loved him in the first series. His perversion has a stark contrast to Chiaki's serious nature and it's fun to see Stresemann get Chiaki into ecchi situations.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPe7ITdCkYI/AAAAAAAAAA0/0r76x4BqEqw/s1600-h/Anime006.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HO05UiulvoU/SPe7ITdCkYI/AAAAAAAAAA0/0r76x4BqEqw/s400/Anime006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257876841313767810" border="0" /></a>There were a couple of really funny moments in this episode, like when Nodame tells the waiter she is being raped. For the most part, it seems like the dynamic between Nodame and Chiaki provides the bulk of the humor that was present in season one. Their realtionship really carries this show despite the loss of many great characters from season one.<br /><br />Overall, it looks like a good start for the series and I'm looking forward to the next episode.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0