Kannagi - 03

Impressions
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.

This episode centered around Jin's school and Jin's art club. I found it kind of surprising that Jin was in an art club, but it should have been obvious after he sculpted Nagi out of a tree trunk.

Still, I couldn't help but be reminded of other art animes like Canvas 2 and Honey and Clover. This makes me wonder what kind of anime 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.

I do like the new characters though. Especially Kimura, Takako. Her attraction to Jin as the pure innocent boy is really funny. I don't think I've ever seen a girl get a nosebleed before.

The other guys seem like nice companions to Jin. There's the manga drawing, anime otaku, and the big, innocent, genius who likes cute things. I particularly like how the manga dude compared the series to a comic and said Jin was the star; irony is great.

As always, Nagi and Jin's interactions were chalked full of humor. When Nagi started running towards Jin I heard the Chariots of Fire theme in my head only to be brought to a screeching halt when Jin dodged her cold-heartedly. The side comments about Jin being a homo were also appreciated since I don't think they use the gay joke enough in animes. Especially considering how many male leads always act disinterested in girls.

They really brought up quite a few questions in this episode, like who was the guy Nagi likes. To me, that seems more interesting than the others but we are also given the question of why Nagi is losing her powers and who Nagi's sister is.

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.

Kannagi - 02

Impressions
This was another great episode that had it all. Nagi was very funny and I have to say I am loving the dynamic between her and Jin.

Her character changes from the innocent, cute girl to the bossy tsundere were so excellent that I actually believed her when she said she had split personalities. Kind of like Kozue from Mahoraba. I really dig her sense of humor.

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.

It was also nice seeing a little bit of a love triangle, threes company misunderstanding type situation. Tsugumi's reaction to Nagi was priceless. In addition to all the romance and comedy, it was nice to see them show a little bit more of Nagi's mystical powers as a goddess.

Albeit a sad situation where the two baby kittens died (shame on Jin for being so stingy and cold), it was a very touching scene that brought a nice contrast to the fun, comedic scenes.

Overall, I think the series is heading in the right place and next week's episode seems like it will continue the trend.

Kannagi - 01

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.

Jin seems like a very reliable and aimiable male lead. His reactions to the Nagi (the goddess) are always entertaining.

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.

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.

However, I could do without the male nudity which reminds me of Inukami. 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.


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.