I’m in love with Kanon. I notice that some Kanon virgins have described the show as “slow” - which is kind of funny, as I’ve found the pace to be rather swift. I actually expected for the show to take five or six episodes to cover what’s been covered thus far. The story hasn’t been rushed, however; the pace is just right, actually. I’m just a little surprised, is all. And, of course, the production values are out of this world. The camera work during Shiori and Yuuichi’s conversation in Episode 3 was especially nice. Hopefully, we’ll see more of that.
As for Asatte no Houkou, I find it’s a difficult show to discuss in any meaningful way for the time being, as it’s just a big bag full of uncertainty. I don’t know what direction the story intends to take, or, for that matter, what tone it’ll eventually adopt. It’s perplexing. Of course, I can’t wait to see what’s around the corner. And, from the look of things, I have a lot of fellow travelers.
Hataraki Man is SO my kind of show. But I have experience working in a Japanese office, so perhaps it’s all nostalgia. Young professionals in Japan really do work themselves silly, often for little reward. I won’t say my workplace was as hectic a place as the offices of the Weekly Jidai, but the overall vibe wasn’t all that different. Ultimately, I think the show speaks best to those who experience that sort of thing every day - which is why it’ll likely be of little interest to overseas anime fans. Or anime fans in general, for that matter.
And that’s it. Aside from the one or two bishoujo shows I eventually settle on, that’s all I’ll be watching this season. A far cry from the last couple of seasons, eh?
Doesn’t the office place in Hataraki Man sort of remind you of the office in Planetes? I love the chief because one moment he’s being lazy and the next thing you know he’s being all honorable.
Kanon: no
Assate no Houkou: yes
Hataraki Man: hell yes
I found Kanon’s pace was quick too though much of the details would fly by ‘Kanon virgins’. That said, I believe the show would compensate them amply when the resolutions for the arcs start kicking in.
Asatte is hopeful. I think the Kanon pacing is great, its nice to take it in, and really the character intro’s have happened quickly.
I’m also finding Kanon’s pacing a little faster than I had expected. But that’s fine with me as I’m hoping for more developed story lines. The Shiori/Yuuichi slow motion scene was some pretty good work. Loved the “That’s a secret” reference.
Actually, it is not a reference. Go back to either the game or the Toei version of Kanon. It is one of Shiori’s trademark lines.
Kanon is suffering from what Haruhi suffered, a popularity backlash. When people think they are all so cool and diss it to feel unique.
Anyway I’ve never watched or played it so I’m just following Kanon now for the l33t animation even though it really isn’t that interesting compared to HAPPINESS, OTOBOKU and other harems so far.
Don’t sell anime fans short–I think enough people can apperciate Hataraki Man just fine. It’s a Noitamina show after all. I think so far only that historic horror piece got left out in the cold.
I think if we can get someone to sub it consistently, the fans will come.
Well, if you think about it, Noitamina slot shows are meant for more mainstream audiences. I seem to remember that being Fuji TV’s intention, at least. And, of course, Hataraki Man is josei manga… not exactly an otaku staple.
I think there’re enough anime fans out there who can and will appreciate Hataraki Man, but I just can’t see the average anime fan being all that interested in a workplace drama… not without something “extra”, at least (Patlabor had its giant robots, for example). And I do think the “uniqueness” of the Japanese workplace may make identifying with Hiroko (and the rest of the cast) a bit more difficult for non-Japanese viewers.
>>Kanon is suffering from what Haruhi suffered, a popularity backlash. When people think they are all so cool and diss it to feel unique.
I pretty much suppose you know that well, eh, tj.
Yes, I would agree Kanon’s pace is just pretty nice. Almost all the major players have been introduced in just 3 episodes and the pace is just right to give each character their own personal impressions on us. The camera work, as Jeff says, is just awesome.
Asatte no Houkou is intriguing and I agree with Jeff… no idea yet on how the story will develop. Episode 2 was kinda sad in a way for loli-chan. Still waiting for the 3rd episode now.
As for Hataraki Man…. it’s just MOEEEE!!!! Dunno how many times I felt like hugging Matsukata when she was complaining. Also, Hataraki Man just offers a nice retreat from the harems and traps this season ;).
Thanks for all the support for Hataraki Man. We’ll keep subbing it, so thanks for watching.
It’s a nice break from all the magical girl stuff I like to do :).
You’re not the only one who is surprised at the pacing of the anime. I’m only familiar with the first anime, but I’m beginning to wonder if there’s really 24 episodes worth of material at the rate their going (not that it’s fast, but I did expect it to progress slower than it has).
I love it though. My memory of the original Kanon is fuzzy at best, so I’m having fun trying to remember things. I certainly don’t remember the first series jumping around from girl to girl like this one is though, but I like this structure a lot more.
I know that I want more Shiori snow scenes with awesome camera work, that’s for sure.
Yes, thank you Quark Boy and Arienai. Hataraki man is great. Office politics plays such a prominent part in so many shows but seldom gets to take centre stage for itself.
And yes Nathan, did you also get the chill down the spine as Shiori and Yuuichi slowly circled each other in the falling snow? I don’t remember Shiori being quite this enigmatic and compelling in the original - cute, yes, and nice and ‘pitiable’, but not like this… :3
To Nathan S.
KyoAni is going to draw upon the full material from the game. These three episodes comprises of scenes known as the ‘common path’ in games, because it introduces all the five girls. From then on, in the game, the player makes choices that lead down different paths.
Toei more or less went the Ayu path in their version, leaving out a lot of material from the other four girls. KyoAni’s ambition is to merge the full storylines of all five girls into one coherent storyline.
Cheers.
Well, being one of those Kanon virgins, I’d have to say I have no real problem with the pacing so far. Other than the fact that I want more.
And judging by the wide support that Hataraki Man is getting in most blogging circles… I’m definately going to be giving it a try.
I too have noticed the excellent camera work and direction in Kanon. It’s nice how they use it to comedic effect, like the Yuuichi versus alarm clocks scene where it keeps switching between him, Nayuki and the bells shaking the screen, then ‘uruseeeei!-thump-thump-thump’ he shuts them off in fast-paced cuts. Excellent scene. it’s the things like that, to which one doesn’t normally pay much attention, which show how much effort KyoAni is putting into this show. Then there’s how much they pay attention to background characters. They don’t just stand still and stare off into space but move and react to things. For example, when Yuuichi and Makoto argue late into episode 3, Nayuki and Akiko’s head keep moving back and forth between them.
Kanon doesn’t merely stand on techincal merits however. I’ve liked the pacing so far, and the show seems to suck me in for many of the same reasons I liked Melancholy. At least, I’m getting the same overall ‘this feels like a good show’ vibes off it - and not just because of Kyon/Yuuichi. :P (But, excellent voice acting both here and Melancholy - the uguu~ scene was priceless.) I’ll leave the more technical discussion as to why it is a good show to others and be content with the fact that I find it enjoyable.
And Hataraki Man. Only one episode subbed so far, but looks interesting. I’ll keep following it.
Im starting to watch Kanon and i kind of in love with it too!! It is a good, cool show and well made also.
And as Bell of Eternity, i will keep an eye on it…
>_
well im officially hooked, im not too interested in much else this season though,
(partly because i cant get at the other ones…) but oh well, i love it
Toooooo-tally cute!
Htaraki Man is excellent. I totally dig this series, it feels good to see a show not about teenagers saving the world and stuff… Not that I don’t like it, but I’m looking for something else now, and HM is really refreshing, my favorite show of the season so far. Please, keep subbing it !
Test comment.