The End of the World

[Categories: Site Announcements]

Belated 2008 mission statement

Posted by Martin  [Tags: First Impressions and Retrospectives, Gunslinger Girl, Sayonara Zetsubou-sensei, Spice and Wolf]

I thought it would be a good idea to lump my first impressions of the new year’s shows in one post because I want to spend more time watching and less time flooding the aggregators with daily posts. It’s an exhausting task that I don’t feel is sustainable in the long term, and doesn’t give much time for the latest post to enjoy its time at the top of the page either. As I stated at the beginning of the year, the plan is quality over quantity from now on (hopefully freeing up a bit of time to update my other Wordpress part of the site) - plus the fact that I’m watching rather a lot to begin with. 2008’s shaping up quite well already actually, so here are the token First Impressions that I may or may not adhere to.

A burnt-out science graduate seeking solace in solitude and sake…even the hairstyle’s the same

Okami no Kishinryo

Wolf and Spice, Spice and Wolf, whatever you decide to call it, this one was an early favourite; partly because it was first off the blocks with being subbed, but also because of the great dynamic between the two leads. I’ve published my initial thoughts already but rest assured I intend to stick with it, and not just for the hawt wolf-girl… >_>

Zoku Sayonara Zetsubo Sensei

Overall the first season was great but now Shinbo and SHAFT are allocated a bigger budget and have thirteen episodes under their belts, the second season is even more out-there but maintains its dark streak. Not only is the visual side of things shifted a notch or two higher (it still looks gorgeous), the music also ups the ante, complimenting the show’s manic feel. The opening episode really played around with the format (weird cults and babies’ legs dangling from the ceiling?!) and the second re-introduced Itoshiki-sensei’s eccentric family so there’s no doubt I’ll be doing the Runba with everyone else - this will also be taking pride of place on my schedule.

Tokyo Marble Chocolate

Every year seems to produce and absolute gem in terms of heartfelt drama and visual innovative prettiness; early signs are suggesting that this year’s has arrived already. Production I.G. can always be counted on for delivering something special from an artistic point of view but I can’t wait to sit down to watch this. Expect reviewage before the week is out.

Gunslinger Girl -Il Teatrino-

Does it promise to be as good as the first season? No. Will I be watching it regardless? Yes. Do I think it deserved the critical mauling at the hands of fellow bloggers? Watch this space. Sorry, but my impressions need a post of their own to explain fully; I’ll be blogging it. Promise!

Persona Trinity Soul

I’ve never played the Persona computer game; as a matter of fact, I don’t even own a games console. That wasn’t a problem with this one though, fortunately. Although it might become a dull fight-fest or supernatural sleep-inducer a la Aquarian Age, I quite liked the beginning of Persona. Firstly, Taku Iwasaki is in charge of the music, which is good. I was actually more keen on the end theme than the op one, but the BGM is a pleasing mixture of contemporary and orchestral. The colour palette and character designs, coupled with the ‘grown-up’ sci-fi vibe are strangely reminiscent of Kurau and RahXephon, respectively. Whether it turns out to be as complex and intelligent as it’s trying to make out remains to be seen, but I’m enjoying it so far.

Ongoing

• Clannad: Kotomi’s arc was a bit ‘meh’ after Fuuko’s but it’s still something I want to see through to the end. My enthusiasm for catching every new ep a.s.a.p. has dwindled though so I’ll wait for the widescreen versions.
• Ghost Hound: after a slow start, the series’ enviable pedigree has shone through and is getting very intriguing indeed. Great stuff.
• Kaiji: do not underestimate the awesomeness of MULLET POWER. Expect more manly tears and rivetting gar-mbling (cheers to IKnight for the pun) in the coming weeks.
• Macross Frontier: patience, my fellow fanboys. Good things come to those who wait.
• Mokke: I’ll carry on with this. Slowly.
• Moyashimon: Now that a speed subber has shown an interest, the end is in sight. It’s all about the sake, people. And, it would also seem, traps.

On DVD (limited list)

• Beck
• Ergo Proxy
• Eureka Seven
• Kurau: Pantom Memory

After much thought I decided to drop Gundam 00. It’s not bad but with a watchlist as long as this, something has to go. The full roll-call by the way goes here and here. Believe it or not, I actually have a full time job on top of all this.

[Filed under Site Announcements]  [Tags: First Impressions and Retrospectives, Gunslinger Girl, Sayonara Zetsubou-sensei, Spice and Wolf]

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