Hidamari Sketch x365 is fantastic. But you already knew that. Mahou Tsukai ni Taisetsu na Koto: Natsu no Sora is quite nice, too; although, Kobayashi Osamu’s spartan direction renders the show duller than it need be. Finally, Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu is fun, even if it is convenience store anime.
The recently released Clannad OAV episode got me all excited about the second season - hopefully, there will be news on that front soon. The TV series had its fair share of memorable moments, of course, but that scene in the snow was really something. It had a sort of transparent authenticity that was missing from a lot of the “start crying, dammit!” scenes in both Kanon and Air. Both approaches work for me, but I fear sad Tomoyo in snow has now raised the bar.
I finally got around to finishing Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai, which I had lost interest in about half way through back when it aired. It’s funny how what started off as a sometimes engrossing horror show ended up being little more than a generic cat and mouse thriller when all was said and done. It was plenty entertaining, but I don’t think the core story was interesting enough to merit 50 episodes.
I also found the time to watch Dennou Coil. Initially, I avoided the show on the mistaken assumption it was something weird and cerebral. Turns out, it’s very accessible and mainstream - a kids show with brains, basically. Anyway, I now understand why the show was so widely praised a couple years back; it really is one of the more well rounded anime series to come out of Japan in recent years. If you haven’t watched it yet, I’d suggest doing so.
Oh, and before I go, I should mention that, despite my (undeserved) reputation for not being a fan of the Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi, I have ordered the recently released DVD collection, and I am looking forward to rewatching it for the first time.
And, yes, I’m still taking a break from blogging.
I found the Tomoyo episode to be really quite moving, which is quite something when the series as a whole had left a bit of a lukewarm impression on me. At any rate, that episode was excellent so I’m actually looking forward to the after story-now. As for the new season? I’m still catching up on the last one!
I’m glad you enjoyed Denno Coil - “a kids show with brains” is a really neat way of summing it up really. Good to see your break from blogging is being well spent but looking forward to your proper return. ^_^
I also liked the Tomoyo episode and the voice-overs did a really good job. I also couldn’t stop admiring the beauty of the artwork, and I hope you come to adore The Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi!
I am glad that you have enjoyed Dennou Coil.
The last episode of H.Sketch and the first episode of x365 were absolutely epic. (fanboyism off)
Sounds like you’re doing an effective job of recharging your batteries =D.
> Hidamari Sketch x365 is fantastic.
Yes.
It’s pleasing to see that for the second season there are approximately 86,000 more bloggers that are covering the show than first time around, when there was around three of us (look, look, popularity - US/UK licence please!).
You should take a look at Natsume Yuujinchou, if you haven’t done so already. I think you’ll like it a LOT.
Glad you enjoyed Dennou Coil! It aired on NHK educational at a kid’s timeslot, I don’t think it could’ve been too cerebral and weird (although for shows around that timeslot I guess it might be) Goodness knows it was a welcome breath of fresh air for kid’s shows though. At least IMO.
It started finished only last year, though. I just hope it gets licensed or something, and shown to more kids in other countries.
Dennou Coil is definitely good licensing material. In fact, I’m surprised it hasn’t already happened.
Mampf, I watched the first episode Natsume Yuujin-chou and enjoyed it. I haven’t continued yet, but it’s on my plate.
Im waiting for CLANNAD second season great news too!!
Good to hear about you, (at least for a moment, lol). Now, take some time to watch your new MSH collection in your break time. ^_^
“And, yes, I’m still taking a break from blogging. ”
*giggles*
-Denno Coil is licensed, btw
Still struggling through backlog from the previous (and in some cases, previous previous) seasons, but I also find x365 awesome, Soramahou fun to watch, slowly moving to watch Nogizaka Haruka and Birdy Decode. Glad to see you’re having fun with this though. :3
Dennou Coil is actually a lot newer than you think Jeff, it finished Dec 2007.
Denno Coil will be worth your time - trust me.