Archive for the 'Television' CategoryPage 3 of 23

Spring Preview

11 Comments |
March 15, 2008
| Television

Work is keeping me on my toes, so new posts will be lacking for another week or so. That said, following up on my earlier post, here’s a quick glance at the new shows I’m interested in for the coming Spring season…

Toshokan Sensou - Typically, I view shows that air in the Notiamina time slot on Fuji TV in one of two ways: I either love them, or I have zero interest in them. Nothing in between. Since I’m already interested in Toshokan Sensou, I can only assume I’ll end up loving it. Very scientific, I know. Seriously, though, this show looks like the sort of mainstream, adult targeted fare I dig. And the popularity of the original novels is hard to ignore.

Kure-nai - I’m surprised by how little attention this show is receiving, because the more I learn about it, the more I feel it’s poised to be one of the season’s better offerings. Either way, the premise grabs me, and I’m attracted by both the character designs and the general look of the animation as seen in the show’s trailer. And, on that note, the banter between the two leads in the latter half of the trailer suggests some lively voice acting. And by “lively”, I mean, “that’s one bitchy sounding tsundere.”

Macross Frontier - Just as a lot of anime fans have a special place in their heart for all things Gundam, I have a special place in my heart for all things Macross. However, while there’s been plenty of activity on the Gundam front in recent years, the same can’t be said for Macross. Hopefully, this entry in the franchise will make up for all those years of waiting. And, speaking of years of waiting, I’m excited to see Yoko Kanno and Maaya Sakamoto working together again. I hope it isn’t a one time thing.

Itazura na Kiss - When all else fails, watch shoujo. This actually looks like fairly generic shoujo, and the fact that it’s only thirteen episodes in length despite the story in the manga spanning decades kind of leaves me scratching my head. That could very well end up being the show’s secret weapon, however. I’m a bit curious to see how it plays out.

S.A - Special A-Class - I’ve heard good things about the manga, and I really can’t pass on what looks to be a solid shoujo comedy in an otherwise slow season. I really enjoy watching this sort of stuff. My initial impression is that it looks and sounds like Ouran High School Host Club’s trailer park cousin, but I expect I’ll be proven wrong.

Gokigenyou, Onee-sama!

18 Comments |
March 6, 2008
| Industry, Television

When Right Stuf first started talking “mystery license” a few days ago, my initial reaction was, “I bet it’s Maria-sama ga Miteru.”

I should buy a lottery ticket this weekend.

Hence, today’s announcement doesn’t surprise me. Marimite has always been one of those shows that, despite not appearing popular, still has its legions of dedicated fans. And with all of the shoujo ai themed titles being licensed and released nowadays, I figured it was just a matter of time before some North American distributor got it in their head to go and license the crown jewel of the genre.

I’m still deliriously happy, of course. Marimite is one of those rare, long-running franchises that only grows sweeter with age. It’s also one of a few select anime series I can get excited about watching at pretty much any given moment. For example, I’ve already watched the OAV series three or four times now, despite the fact it’s less than a year old.

So, the entire series has immense rewatch value, and has been at the top of my licensing and DVD purchasing wishlist for quite some time. A couple years back, I came within an inch of purchasing the entire series up to that point on R2 DVD during one of my many intoxicated visits to Akihabara, abstaining only because I expected it to be licensed for R1 release before long. I’m glad I waited; especially so, given that Right Stuf will be releasing the series in convenient seasonal boxsets at a very attractive price.

With the third TV season of the series set to air in Japan this Summer, 2008 looks to be the year of the Yamayurikai. Any distributor out there want to make it the year of Neo-Venezia while we’re at it?

Head of the Class

19 Comments |
March 5, 2008
| Television

Clannad is a fascinating series.

Why? Because it breaks so many rules of the genre, that’s why. Initially, I was disappointed in Kyoto Animation’s decision to deny Kyou and Tomoyo story arcs of their own, but the more I learned about the structure of each heroine’s story in the original visual novel and the more I thought about the approach the studio took in its adaptation, the more I felt it was the right decision to make. There was just no way to make it work otherwise. I feel sorry for the Kyou and Tomoyo fans out there, of course, but I can’t help but be impressed by the studio’s decision to address the issue of balancing multiple scenarios head on and make the hard choices necessary to prevent the show from spinning off in multiple directions at the very moment it needed to be coming together.

I was thrown for a loop at first, having expected the standard, “give each girl her due,” approach as seen in Kanon and Air (and a billion other game adaptations). And I kept looking at the number of remaining episodes and the number of remaining heroines and thinking, “this is going to get real ugly, real soon.” Coming out of Kotomi’s arc, those foreboding thoughts really colored my perception of the show in a negative way. It was to the point that I grew reluctant to watch new episodes. I figured I was in for a nasty surprise.

But, you know, just as there are nasty surprises, there are good surprises. And seeing the studio mollify all of my concerns in the course of a single scene was very much a good surprise. It’s why I’m taking the time to write this post. The approach taken may have caught me off balance, and it may have seemed awkward given my expectations, but I was genuinely impressed and satisfied with how it all worked out in the end. The phrase, “Bravo, KyoAni,” shows up here a lot, but I really do mean it this time.

The surprises keep coming, too. For example, I fully expected Clannad to be in full “tissues and Zoloft” mode by now, but with the exception of the tear-jerking conclusion to Fuuko’s scenario and a few scenes in Kotomi’s scenario, the show has remained lighthearted. And even the serious moments are more heartwarming than they are depressing. Just as the characters seem to bounce back from melancholy with ease, so does the show itself. It has an entirely different vibe compared to both Kanon and Air.

And if I expand on that comparison further, I have to say how surprised I am to be so taken with Nagisa as a character. Clearly, she’s the “main” heroine in Clannad. The main heroines in Kanon and Air, however, I never cared much for. Or, rather, I never considered favorites. Ayu and Misuzu were fine leads, of course, but Shiori and Minagi were my favorites, and I automatically assumed my favorite heroine in Clannad would turn out to be a secondary character all the same. Turns out I was wrong. It’s Nagisa. No contest.

Of course, endless praise notwithstanding, Clannad is not all rainbows and unicorns. Due to its unusual structure and pacing, the show has been difficult to follow at times. And I think I understand why some folks have described it as “boring”. However, knowing what I know now, I feel it would be beneficial to rewatch the show from start to finish on the assumption I’ll understand it better and appreciate it even more the second time around. That’s my plan, at least.

For now, though, bring on Nagisa’s story!

Beggars Can’t Be… You Know

19 Comments |
March 3, 2008
| Television

Just a thought, but looking at the list of new anime series for the upcoming Spring season, very little catches my eye. This is a clear departure from the past few years, in which the Spring season provided more shows I wanted to watch than there was time to watch them.

However, I realized this evening that every single show I’m currently watching will be coming to an end this month, save Shugo Chara. So, not only will I have the opportunity to sample a lot of what the coming season has to offer, but I’ll also be compelled to give anything that looks remotely interesting a fair chance. Otherwise, I’ll be hurting for stuff to watch.

And as stressful as the coming months are likely to be, I’m going to need some good anime to unwind with. It’s cheaper than booze.

February Review

23 Comments |
February 20, 2008
| Television

Clannad - Are there enough episodes remaining to wrap this thing up? I hope the pacing doesn’t get too wonky in the end, because the show has done a pretty good job transitioning from one character arc to another up until now.

True Tears - As much as I’m enjoying this show, I kind of wish the love triangle hadn’t been blown wide open in the span of a single episode. It bordered on being a little too melodramatic, especially following Hiromi’s “confession” one episode prior. That said, I’m pulling for Noe. All the way, baby.

Bamboo Blade - Recently, I was thinking how funny it is that Satori wasn’t introduced until about halfway through the show. You could almost make the argument that the show is just now getting going, despite the fact it’s getting near the end. I suspect that means the show will simply end at a convenient point, with the story continuing in the manga. Of course, it’s not like there’s any continuing story in the first place.

Hayate no Gotoku - A love comedy that doesn’t go anywhere, eh? It’s true, but who cares? It’s still hilarious, and it looks to be headed for a strong finish. I wonder if we’ll see a second season at some point? I’d no doubt welcome it.

Shugo Chara - I’m planning Shugo Chara Sunday this weekend. Please stand by.

Kimikiss Pure Rouge - Honestly, I’ve been wavering in my affection for this show. As much as Mao’s change of heart was telegraphed from the very beginning, it still strikes me as so predictable to be annoying. And since the show took its sweet time establishing all its assorted romantic couplings, we haven’t had any time to bask in the warm glow of each couple’s happiness before conflict was introduced. It’s too much, too soon, and it feels a bit artificial.

ARIA The Origination - I think you know how I feel about Aria by now. And forever more.

You’re Under Arrest - Full Throttle - I’m actually several episodes behind, but given the sitcom nature of You’re Under Arrest, it’s not all that big a deal. I can always catch up when I have the time. Or have nothing better to do. Which isn’t very often lately, I’m sorry to say.

Mokke - I’m going to be awfully sad to see this show end. It’s turned out to be one of the more intelligent and interesting shows of the past year, and my appreciation for it grows with each and every episode. It’s also a nice change of pace from everything else I’m watching, so each episode is a special treat. Shows like Mokke generally aren’t all that popular, however, so they only come along every so often. Have to cherish them.

A Fanboy Moment

20 Comments |
February 8, 2008
| Television

I’ve been using this image as my desktop wallpaper for a week or so now, and every time I look at it, I’m reminded of how attractive the Aria character designs are. Like many female artists, Amano Kozue really knows how to draw beautiful women. Funny how that works.

And since I can never pass up an opportunity to talk about Aria, let me say this: the third season is incredible. While there’s no such thing as a “bad” episode of Aria, there were episodes in the first and second seasons that were especially memorable and a cut above the rest. So far, the third season has been nothing but episodes of that quality. The fourth episode alone is one of the best of the entire franchise, if you ask me.

I’m also happy to see Hal Film Maker pouring a lot of sweat and tears into the production. Aria has always been a pretty show, but as I’ve mentioned in the past, the animation has never been particularly extravagant. That changed somewhat with last year’s OAV, however, and continues now with the third season. It’s not flashy, but it looks great. There’s some sparkle and polish that was never there before.

It’s a shame Amano Kozue will soon be putting Aria to rest, but I’m sure I’ll be rewatching the anime series for years and years to come. Next time you hear someone say, “there’s nothing good coming out of Japan anymore,” tell ‘em to put a sock in it.

Spice of Life

17 Comments |
February 4, 2008
| Television

Bamboo Blade is such a tease.

With an episode title like, “First Training Camp and First Bath House”, you’d expect fanservice. Right? Well, the episode did indeed provide a bath house scene. It just forgot a few things. Like the kendo girls. And the fanservice. And more than five seconds of animation.

Some viewers might have thrown their TVs out the window, but I fell out of my chair laughing. Talk about a meticulously planned gag.

Then again, Bamboo Blade has been a bait and switch act from the very beginning. What at first blush looks like a generic harem comedy is nothing of the sort. And what looks like a fanservice vehicle is anything but. The show offers far more to the kendo enthusiast than it does the admirer of pretty girls, presence of pretty girls be damned. It’s also a show that’s simultaneously heartwarming, hilarious, and action packed. Bamboo Blade may send mixed signals, but that’s part of what makes it so much fun to watch.

In some ways, the show takes the old school approach. Back in the day (the roaring 90s, that is), it was common for shows to continually maneuver from one genre to the next, trying to be a little bit of everything to everyone watching. The first series that comes to mind is the Tenchi Muyo franchise: was it comedy? Or was it action? Drama? Romance? Sci-fi? Harem? It was all of those, of course, and while the series will always be described in terms of “what could have been”, it’s because it tried to be everything at once that so many anime fans remember it so affectionately. Tenchi Muyo was far from perfect, but it was a lot of fun, for a lot of people, for a lot of different reasons.

Today, however, anime series are more specialized than ever. A moe vehicle here, a slice of life show there, girls with guns sulking in the corner… it’s good stuff, sure, but the more specialized anime gets, the more specialized fans get. It’s oh so easy nowadays for a fan to miss out on good shows simply because they don’t carry the proper labels. Even I’ve fallen victim to that sort of thinking.

It’s because I don’t want to be that sort of anime fan that I gave Bamboo Blade a chance in the first place. And I’m really glad I did.