Let's talk anime.

Mordiceius wrote:

Just finished watching Elfen Lied. I rather enjoyed it. Probably in my top 10. Really really good now I think about it.

Ditto, bloody as hell, and rampant nudity, but the last episode was emotionally touching enough to justify it in my opinion.

I can't say the same thing for Gantz, however..

The girls are dragging me into Code Lyoko, which probably doesn't count as real anime. At least I hope it doesn't.

And Bleach. Way way too much Bleach. But now I have a cool Ichigo desk calendar!

Johnvanjim wrote:
Mordiceius wrote:

Just finished watching Elfen Lied. I rather enjoyed it. Probably in my top 10. Really really good now I think about it.

Ditto, bloody as hell, and rampant nudity, but the last episode was emotionally touching enough to justify it in my opinion.

I can't say the same thing for Gantz, however..

I've seen most of Elfen Lied, and just never had a desire to finish it all. Those who know of 'Ask John' from AnimeNation, here's his thoughts on Elfen Lied; I find myself very much in agreement. I also find it interesting that he nailed its eventual licensor head on

As to Gantz, I haven't seen it, but IMO, it's got one thing going for it that I found to be lacking in Elfen Lied, the music. Rip Slyme's OP is pretty much outstanding, and what I've heard of the rest of the music is pretty good across the board. However, as in all things, YMMV.

Updatism:

Finished up Sumomo mo Momo mo - Turned very shounen-y near the end, and it's sounding like the last few episodes will be dvd release only (last aired ep was 22)
Also finished Venus Versus Virus - Fun for its 12 episodes, but not a very deep series. Nothing to write home on this one.

New:

Claymore - Nice and bloody. Here's hoping it grows beyond having that as it's only selling point.
Darker than Black - Just watched the first episode, and it's looking like it could either get really good or completely suck. Wait see on this one.
Blue Dragon - Yeah, it's based off the game, which almost automatically lowers my expectations. Starting this one simply due to the character designer.
Lovely Complex - Looks like it'll be a nice, light, rom/com. That and they all have that great kansai-ben which makes it least ten times more awesome.

Lupus, it's entirely possible that it's a 22 ep series. It's not a common occurence, but it does happen from time to time.

As to that and Venus vs Virus, never watched either. I suppose I could wind up getting drug into one or the other.

As to your list of new series, RabuCon(Lovely Complex) is probably the only one I'll get into. But that's only because Kansai-Ben makes EVERYTHING funnier.

Stuff on my new series list:

Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS: Take 1 part DBZ, add one part CCS, take out all the DBZ trip the light sucktastic, and you're left with the pure awesome that is Nanoha. Watch the first two series for background, ignore the loli-ness, and then get into this one.

Hayate the Combat Butler - Gundam and Eva references abound in the first episode. It can only get better, folks. I do need to finish downloading this one though.

<3 Lafiel. Much, much less than three. Watching her intellectually browbeat Jinto is outstanding. Also, Diaho rocks.

Crest / Banner of the Stars is an excellent series. Here's hoping we eventually see more of it.

Bleach ep 121 - The series looks to be on the upswing. It looks like they are getting back to the pace I enjoyed about the pre-bount archs.

Claymore 2 - Hmmm, well things are getting a little more interesting. Still can't say I'm sold, but still very hopeful.

Darker than Black 2 - Interesting stuff, but needs to avoid falling on it's face over the next few episodes to make it great.

Another new series to report on:
Oh-Edo Rocket(大江戸ロケット) - Funny, but wild. The first episode had me going 'wtf' several times, on an Excel Saga like level. With ep 2, things are starting to settle in, but it's still a goofy show.

There's a third OAV for Seikai no Senki out, but Bandai hasn't announced it yet. Judging by their change in pricing on DVDs, I'm not sure I want them to.

Nodame Cantabile is coming to the DS. Naruto Shippuuden is looking good on the PS2.

I started watching Eyeshield 21 and I'm up to episode 48. Not bad. Some of the characters are annoying. They also don't use all the proper football terms. Instead of calling it a drive they say attack, and etc. I also don't like the little trivia repeats between commercials but overall an enjoyable show.

I tried watching the first episode of Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, but my god it was horrible. What I did like was the use of narration similar to what was done in Adaptation. Haven't seen an anime do that before.

Edwin wrote:

I tried watching the first episode of Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, but my god it was horrible. What I did like was the use of narration similar to what was done in Adaptation. Haven't seen an anime do that before.

You made a big mistake. The first episode was supposed to suck, a parody of fan-produced live action show. Keep watching. It's only 12 episodes. Watch them in order, by which I mean the real order. Wikipedia.

I figured as much since he was narrating it. Gun Grave was the same way. Horrible first episode, awesome series.

Edwin wrote:

I figured as much since he was narrating it. Gun Grave was the same way. Horrible first episode, awesome series.

Gun Grave's first episode bored the hell out of me. Almost stopped watching until my roommate recommended otherwise.

From the wikipedia link, which order should I follow? Column A, B, or C?

The first episode that you saw is actually 11, so go with the second column if you want to watch everything in the correct order.

My recommendation on watching Haruhi goes like this:

First time you watch, watch it in episode airing order. After that, watch it in Chronological order as it aired. It might not make a lot of sense either way, but that's ok. Just enjoy watching what Haruhi does to Mikuru.

On an unrelated note, I finished watching Honey and Clover(I and II). I forgot who pushed me into bumping it to the top of my list, but whoever it was is clearly filled with knowledge of win. It tugged at me a little, and I got misty, but it was a really solid show. Easily up at the top of the list of stuff I've seen.

Edwin wrote:

Go give proper credit!

http://www.gamerswithjobs.com/node/1...

Done.

If anyone was considering watching Kamichama Karin(It's from the same guy who did Digi-Charat and Pita-Ten, named Koge-Donbo), It's looking pretty mediocre in a season full of outstanding stuff. There's still time and room for it to improve though.

I finally got around to watching Monster and it was definitely worth it. Great story, lots of suspense and good animation.

I also started a list of the series I've seen on ANN, thanks AnimeJ for pointing that out.

Grr. Trying to figure out the order to watch Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya is an exercise in frustration.

Edwin wrote:

Grr. Trying to figure out the order to watch Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya is an exercise in frustration.

I'm going to assume you downloaded fansubs. Going on that, the subs from a.f.k. that I have are labeled in on-air order. In the next ep previews, Kyon and Haruhi both give an episode number for the next one.

This is where I'm a bit fuzzy, and being at work, I can't double check. However, I can tell you that one of them gives the chronological next episode, and the other gives you the 'air order' next episode. I *think* that Kyon is giving you the episode number in airing order. Haruhi is giving it in Chronological order.

Although, now that I think about it, the wiki offers sort options.

Column A = Order the episodes were aired. This is how I originially watched it, owing to the fact that I watched it as the series was shown on Japanese TV and was subsequently fansubbed.

Column C = Chronological order with reference to the show's internal timeline.

I'd explain a little bit more on why the difference is important, but I can't really say much more than everything you see in the show, despite Kyon narrating, is all from Haruhi's perspective without really getting into spoilers, which I think I'll put below with a disclaimer.

[color=white]Haruhi is God.

[/color]

A bit strange, I know, but it's true.

Anyway, I just had a thought about something I haven't mentioned, and I haven't seen anyone else mention: Mahotsukai ni Taisetsu na Koto(Someday's Dreamers)

Anywho, for those of you who enjoyed H&C, it's a show that to me falls in a similar vein. Daily life, figuring out who you are, where you're going and things like that. Music was done by Takesfumi Haketa, and is outstanding. Gorgeous animation all around, too. Oh, and expect to cry a little at the end

I finished it last night. Some episodes where good, but two stood out of meh. Overall it was enjoyable and many times I was smiling with a big old grin. I watched the show in Chronological order as a side note.

I'll check out Someday's Dreamers.

Yea, Haruhi definitely leaves you with an ear to ear and a warm fuzzy. For those of you who haven't seen it, it's highly recommended if you want something wacky, but not crazy, with a bit of awkward romance here and there.

Oh, and I'll sum up some of the relationships with a few pictures:

Haruhi and Kyon

Haruhi and Mikuru << Mildly NSFW

Kyon and Itsuki << Mildly NSFW

momgamer wrote:

The girls are dragging me into Code Lyoko, which probably doesn't count as real anime. At least I hope it doesn't.

And Bleach. Way way too much Bleach. But now I have a cool Ichigo desk calendar!

Somehow, I never noticed this. But as far as Bleach goes, here's my thoughts on it. Standard Shounen action show, all in all. But, for those who don't know, here's a photo that sums it up pretty well.

AnimeJ wrote:

Yea, Haruhi definitely leaves you with an ear to ear and a warm fuzzy. For those of you who haven't seen it, it's highly recommended if you want something wacky, but not crazy, with a bit of awkward romance here and there.

Oh, and I'll sum up some of the relationships with a few pictures:

Haruhi and Kyon

Haruhi and Mikuru << Mildly NSFW

Kyon and Itsuki << Mildly NSFW

momgamer wrote:

The girls are dragging me into Code Lyoko, which probably doesn't count as real anime. At least I hope it doesn't.

And Bleach. Way way too much Bleach. But now I have a cool Ichigo desk calendar!

Somehow, I never noticed this. But as far as Bleach goes, here's my thoughts on it. Standard Shounen action show, all in all. But, for those who don't know, here's a photo that sums it up pretty well.

$@^*, yeah! And starting to really kick it again at 122. Looking forward to next weeks episode.

LupusUmbrus wrote:
AnimeJ wrote:

Yea, Haruhi definitely leaves you with an ear to ear and a warm fuzzy. For those of you who haven't seen it, it's highly recommended if you want something wacky, but not crazy, with a bit of awkward romance here and there.

Oh, and I'll sum up some of the relationships with a few pictures:

Haruhi and Kyon

Haruhi and Mikuru << Mildly NSFW

Kyon and Itsuki << Mildly NSFW

momgamer wrote:

The girls are dragging me into Code Lyoko, which probably doesn't count as real anime. At least I hope it doesn't.

And Bleach. Way way too much Bleach. But now I have a cool Ichigo desk calendar!

Somehow, I never noticed this. But as far as Bleach goes, here's my thoughts on it. Standard Shounen action show, all in all. But, for those who don't know, here's a photo that sums it up pretty well.

$@^*, yeah! And starting to really kick it again at 122. Looking forward to next weeks episode.

Yea, I've been keeping up with the Manga. It's like Bleach Anime Lite: All the good stuff shown in that pic, minus all the annoying filler

I just finished Kemonozume. Nice sound track and very different art style from most other animes. Overall very enjoyable. Some scenes were just very unexpected.

Edwin wrote:

I just finished Kemonozume. Nice sound track and very different art style from most other animes. Overall very enjoyable. Some scenes were just very unexpected.

Kemonozume? Care to expound a little on it, as I've never heard of it >.>

http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/ency...

The sound track reminded me of the crazy jazz Cowboy Bebop would get into sometimes. The show doesn't take itself very serious but most of the time it was pretty good. The art was fantastic. Think about the animation from Kill Bill and you will understand the art style. I saw it in HD (720p) and it looked fantastic. Many time I would just pause it just to look at the artwork.

This place might have spoilers. http://www.anime-source.com/banzai/m...

IMAGE(http://chrome.ikimashou.net/images/kemonozume3_1.jpg)IMAGE(http://chrome.ikimashou.net/images/kemonozume3_2.jpg)IMAGE(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/e/e1/Kemonozume03.jpg)IMAGE(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/e/ef/Kemonozume04.jpg)IMAGE(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/46/Kemonozume08.jpg)

And yet another one goes on the stack. I'll be watching Animu from now till the end of time at this rate ><

I need another house in itself for anime and game stack.