posts tagged “Sayonara Zetsubou-sensei”

06 Apr 2008

Buy Viagra Without Prescription

Posted by Martin [Tags: Akayuki Shinbo, Sayonara Zetsubou-sensei]

An observation I made during ef Buy Viagra Without Prescription, was that, in some ways, SHAFT are the new Gainax; after the mindblowing levels of win in Zoku Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei's fourth episode, that feeling is beginning to feel all the stronger. Viagra duration, The budget is visibly higher than that of the first series of course, but it was the structure and cleverness that made this one of the most enjoyable episodes in a long, effects of Viagra, Viagra without a prescription, long time...it threatened disappointment, but showed innovation and brilliance; an experience akin to watching those classic Gainax landmarks, Viagra steet value. Viagra used for,

...as well as a lot of other things

The third episode didn't bode well for me though - the first half was perhaps intentionally slow and uneventful (reminiscent of the notorious last episode of Haruhi in some ways), with zillions of references but the in-jokes just served to alienate me, Viagra canada, mexico, india. Online buying Viagra, I love the new op them by the way - it has the typical male/female seiyuu duet vocals that we heard on the first season's theme but the backing music that accompanies the rumba could have been lifted off Diru's last album. Extreme indeed, Viagra price, coupon. The second half was more in the typical SZS vein, but it still felt like it was trying to capture the spirit of the first season by tapping into contemporary Japan's most topical despairs and stretching the theme to comedic effect; I felt like that tiresome burden of duty had been extended to poor old Shinbo and co, Buy Viagra Without Prescription. Online Viagra without a prescription, too. Then episode #4 happened, Viagra from canada. Buy Viagra from mexico, If you're wondering where I got this 'Gainax feeling' from, just look at what was on offer here: cheeky fan service, Viagra brand name, Viagra street price, in-jokes, apocalyptic mecha battles (no, purchase Viagra online no prescription, Viagra maximum dosage, really) and one of the most innovative directors in the industry in characteristically fine fettle. Shinbo was clearly aiming for an NGE parody vibe here but did a marvellous job of paying tribute to some of the highlights of both Anno's and Tsurumaki's careers because it held some of that manic energy of FLCL too, buying Viagra online over the counter. Buy Viagra Without Prescription, The character traits or examples of behaviour that form the subjects of this episode included that of paying too much attention to trivial details; the show's use of such themes in its humour is nothing new, but the plot progression that's built around this idea was fantastic...not to mention the token references that had me in stitches. Viagra coupon, It's a brilliant mix of observational comedy, cheeky jibes at other anime shows/bits of Japanese pop culture and surreal, Viagra schedule, Fast shipping Viagra, off-the-wall weirdness that SZS produces when it's firing on all cylinders.

A comedic breath of fresh Air

The alien invasion is, Viagra class, Order Viagra no prescription, I'm sure, hilarious to anyone who's seen the epic scale and visceral pathos of the source material so it should be obvious as to why I was utterly gobsmacked and creased up in equal measure by the blow-by-blow re-enactment of Asuka's last stand in End of Eva, Viagra wiki, Buying Viagra online over the counter, complete with craft knife, shovel and battle cries spoken in defiant German, Viagra long term. Viagra price, coupon, Chiri's transformation is especially funny given her personality of course but it even maintained some of that over-the-top action that has me glued to the screen every time I watch the movie - and I've seen that movie a lot.

wtflolpenguins...I didn't see that coming either

The part that dealt with Jun, online buying Viagra hcl, Viagra results, the uncanny storyteller again demonstrated SZS's ability to take simple concepts and run with them in unpredictable directions - the train of thought that the writers are travelling on somehow took this case from a scene in the library to one in which our hero is sitting alone in a freezing room filled with penguins, just to outguess him, order Viagra online c.o.d. Never mind how in heaven's name the chain of events got him there - just enjoy the ride, Buy Viagra Without Prescription. Viagra from canada, As if this wasn't quite enough, the episode ends with a delightful parting shot in which the resident hikikomori is teasing Itoshiki's nephew before prancing around in a bikini...as the alien invasion from earlier on in the episode rages in the background, where to buy Viagra. Viagra duration,

needs moar Kiri. No exceptions
Must...concentrate...on...main...story...Kiri Komori <3 Who are you calling distracted?, Viagra interactions. Viagra alternatives,

I've grown so used to the episodic nature of the show that bringing things around in full circle like this and alluding to earlier sketches during later ones (a trick that Eddie Izzard uses during his stand-up routines, for those interested) is an unusual move and in this case is one that works brilliantly, online buy Viagra without a prescription. Purchase Viagra online, With every cut featuring Kiri's and Majiru's banter, messages and clips reminding us what the main story is supposed to be brings back the 'distraction of important points by trivialities' and wraps the whole episode up perfectly, both thematically and in terms of storyline. Fantastic stuff.

[3 Comments]

[Site Announcements]

21 Jan 2008

Buy Clindamycin Gel Without Prescription

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

Buy Clindamycin Gel Without Prescription, 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. Clindamycin Gel cost, 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, australia, uk, us, usa. Buy no prescription Clindamycin Gel online, 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, where to buy Clindamycin Gel. Clindamycin Gel without prescription, 2008's shaping up quite well already actually, so here are the token First Impressions that I may or may not adhere to, Clindamycin Gel use. Buy cheap Clindamycin Gel,

this isn't me...but it could be
A burnt-out science graduate seeking solace in solitude and sake...even the hairstyle's the same

Okami no Kishinryo

social commentary, AD 1200

Wolf and Spice, discount Clindamycin Gel, Australia, uk, us, usa, Spice and Wolf, whatever you decide to call it, Clindamycin Gel online cod, Clindamycin Gel description, 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, where can i order Clindamycin Gel without prescription. I've published my initial thoughts already but rest assured I intend to stick with it, and not just for the hawt wolf-girl.., Buy Clindamycin Gel Without Prescription. Clindamycin Gel for sale, >_>

Zoku Sayonara Zetsubo Sensei

In despair...again

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, order Clindamycin Gel from United States pharmacy. Clindamycin Gel mg, Not only is the visual side of things shifted a notch or two higher (it still looks gorgeous), the music also ups the ante, Clindamycin Gel street price, Clindamycin Gel samples, 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, Clindamycin Gel over the counter. Canada, mexico, india, 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. Buy Clindamycin Gel Without Prescription, 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, Clindamycin Gel from canadian pharmacy. Clindamycin Gel without a prescription, Expect reviewage before the week is out.

Gunslinger Girl -Il Teatrino-

Triela on a new mission

Does it promise to be as good as the first season, Clindamycin Gel blogs. Clindamycin Gel reviews, No. Will I be watching it regardless, Buy Clindamycin Gel Without Prescription. Yes, Clindamycin Gel pics. Clindamycin Gel overnight, Do I think it deserved the critical mauling at the hands of fellow bloggers. Watch this space, buy Clindamycin Gel without a prescription. Get Clindamycin Gel, Sorry, but my impressions need a post of their own to explain fully; I'll be blogging it, where can i buy Clindamycin Gel online. Buy Clindamycin Gel Without Prescription, Promise. Clindamycin Gel schedule, Persona Trinity Soul

My eyessss!

I've never played the Persona computer game; as a matter of fact, I don't even own a games console, Clindamycin Gel brand name. Clindamycin Gel alternatives, That wasn't a problem with this one though, fortunately, buy cheap Clindamycin Gel no rx. Clindamycin Gel gel, ointment, cream, pill, spray, continuous-release, extended-release, Although it might become a dull fight-fest or supernatural sleep-inducer a la Aquarian Age, I quite liked the beginning of Persona, Clindamycin Gel dosage. Clindamycin Gel steet value, 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, Buy Clindamycin Gel Without Prescription. 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.

Buy Clindamycin Gel Without Prescription, 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, Buy Clindamycin Gel Without Prescription. 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.

[3 Comments]

[Anime Reviews]

06 Jan 2008

Buy Abilify Without Prescription

Posted by Martin [Tags: Sayonara Zetsubou-sensei]

Buy Abilify Without Prescription, Hats off to a.f.k. for pulling out all the stops and delivering the final instalment of Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei - we can now give a final Farewell to Mr, Abilify samples. Abilify photos, Despair, if only a temporary one, fast shipping Abilify. Where can i find Abilify online, With it being the last episode and all the series leaves on a high with the quality of humour being up there with the stronger instalments earlier on in the series. The reasons for it being such a great show were twofold: firstly the humour was darker, generic Abilify, Abilify schedule, dryer and sharper than what we've come to expect from the high school comedy genre, more in the vein of classic Britcom, Abilify maximum dosage. Secondly Shinbo's input made it an artistic marvel was well as a refreshing piece in terms of entertainment value, Buy Abilify Without Prescription. Abilify no rx,

Sayonara!

The Guilt Complex idea worked a treat possibly because of the image that Japan presents to me as being a society that prizes politeness so highly is quite a quintessentially British one too. Once again, buy generic Abilify, Abilify duration, a social commentary theme is used to take the situation off at a comedic tangent, which is all the more convincing because the UK takes a fairly similar stance in terms of apologising profusely in public situations and the like, order Abilify online c.o.d. Abilify photos, Chav culture has often put a stop to this sort of thing in practice but we still know how to queue and the familiarity of "Oh, I'm terribly sorry...", get Abilify, Where can i find Abilify online, "Excuse me one moment...", "I beg your pardon..." and "Don't mind me..." are as much cultural stereotypes here as they are there, online buying Abilify. Online buy Abilify without a prescription, Moreover, as someone who sees international sporting events as a national embarrassment, where can i cheapest Abilify online, Effects of Abilify, the idea of the guilt complex, especially with the UK/Japan sharing similar values, Abilify pictures, Purchase Abilify online, makes the football team example utterly brilliant. Buy Abilify Without Prescription, How else can you explain away the fact that your national side fail in the World Cup. "I'm terribly sorry old chap, Abilify street price, Abilify interactions, I didn't realise you wanted the ball too..", or whatever the hiragana is for a similar expression of apology, Abilify schedule. What is Abilify, The Japanese footie players explaining why they lose had me in stitches.

Freeze frame fun

Unfortunately the second half of the episode didn't do as well as the first, Abilify over the counter, Abilify forum, which is common enough in SZS but the examples that stem from it were still pretty good. The return of the Chalkboard Comments, Abilify pics, Buy cheap Abilify, plus other neat little bits of text and other background details (above), were as welcome as they were hilarious, japan, craiglist, ebay, overseas, paypal, Herbal Abilify, adding to the show's rewatch value (not to mention the usefulness of the pause button). I didn't actually notice Mitama-san at all until now, so I'm guessing she didn't appear earlier on either (the fact that we've only just noticed Kaga-san is pretty self explanatory), Buy Abilify Without Prescription. Although it wasn't quite as funny as Kaga's story, purchase Abilify online no prescription, Buy Abilify without prescription, it did win a bonus point from me in terms of oddness. What the hell is that prank with the dog and the stick?, order Abilify from mexican pharmacy. Abilify long term, It's enough to put you off chocolate Pocky for life...

The reference-driven side of the humour was well done in the episode too - I especially loved the Lupin III sketch, Abilify maximum dosage, complete with a Cagliostro-esque car chase with Kimura on a motorbike. Buy Abilify Without Prescription, It's moments like this that break up the stucture of the episodes, making them delightfully off-the-wall and unpredictable.

lol@references...again

Although it feels like a normal episode for the most part, there is the moment we've all been waiting for: driven to despair by his guilt complex, Itoshiki-sensei finally succeeds in hanging himself. More or less. Fortunately it takes place in one of the little related side-sketches, rather than the main story arc (a terms I'm using in a very loose sense here) so we're still all set for the second season without him being properly killed off. The significance of these little moments comes into play here too, because it allows for both the sketch show type of approach that is derived from the 4-koma idea, but also allows for a continuous timeline enjoyed by longer-running sitcoms. SZS joins the likes of Lucky Star in being a comedy show that balances the self-contained sketches with a discernable storyline, without losing the benefits of either, and for the most part succeeding. Although certain parts worked better than others, the overall standard was high enough to make it a funny and even though-provoking series; not to mention the artistic side of things, which added much to its achievement of being a refreshing break from the norm. Good stuff all round.

[5 Comments]

[Anime Reviews]

24 Dec 2007

Colchicine For Sale

Posted by Martin [Tags: ABC, Sayonara Zetsubou-sensei, Twelve days of Christmas]

Colchicine For Sale, Comedy is somewhat under-represented on this blog (an issue I'll be addressing in another forthcoming editorial) but one series that did tickle me every time was the offbeat, dry and often pretty dark Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei. Chalk-and-cheese pairings have been a comedy staple since time immemorial but when the classic gag styles and plot devices are applied to the anime high school comedy the results are surprising...and brilliant, Colchicine blogs. Online buying Colchicine,

Relax, Colchicine without a prescription, Colchicine samples, you have a second season

The opening scene in which the eternally optimistic Kafuka meets the eternally pessimistic Itoshiki-sensei encapsulates everything that makes the show special: making light of taboos such as suicide, everyday situations exaggerated to great comedic effect, order Colchicine from United States pharmacy, Purchase Colchicine online, and the innovative Studio SHAFT artwork that is nothing short of gorgeous. While the imagery employed in the likes of ef -a tale of memories is kaleidoscopic to the point of being overwhelming at points, rx free Colchicine, Colchicine canada, mexico, india, the artwork of SZS is more muted and lo-fi, but at the same time presents a glorious clash of sepia-tinged art deco with traditional Ukiyo-e which ironically makes it the most Japanese-looking anime I've seem in ages, online buying Colchicine hcl. Colchicine online cod, Memorable moment

Every one of the students who Itoshiki has the (mis)fortune to teach is a clever send-up of high school sterotypes, such as the girl with the tail fetish, online buy Colchicine without a prescription, Get Colchicine, the transfer student with the multiple personality disorder and the class rep who is effectively invisible. Even his family get a mention, including the unfortunate Dr, Colchicine For Sale. Death; then there's the fantastic comic convention in which our hero is mistaken for a cosplayer and presents the concept of the 5-koma Comic of Dispair, buy no prescription Colchicine online. Colchicine steet value, All clever, all hilarious, Colchicine street price. Australia, uk, us, usa, Nevertheless, this image will forever stay with me:

Goodbye cruel world

That's right folks: the Suicide Kit, where to buy Colchicine. Discount Colchicine, Shifting off this mortal coil soon. Colchicine For Sale, Want to be prepared. The Suicide Kit has everything you need for the self-inflicted departure from this world, Colchicine trusted pharmacy reviews. Colchicine coupon, Genius.

Other ABC bloggers' posts for the Twelve Days of Christmas

JRoxas

CCYoshi

Orion

Owen S

Quinn

Xerox

Nekoron

Michael Huang

Moogy

CJ Blackwing

IKnight

Drop your url into the comments section below if I've inadvertantly left you out, Colchicine use. Colchicine no rx, ^_^. Colchicine without prescription. Buy Colchicine without prescription. Where can i buy Colchicine online. Colchicine schedule. Colchicine gel, ointment, cream, pill, spray, continuous-release, extended-release. Colchicine photos. About Colchicine. Colchicine alternatives. Colchicine treatment. Colchicine cost. Buy cheap Colchicine. Order Colchicine online c.o.d. What is Colchicine.

[4 Comments]

[Anime Reviews]

05 Dec 2007

Cipro For Sale

Posted by Martin [Tags: Sayonara Zetsubou-sensei]

Cipro For Sale, With only one episode to go after this, Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei seems to be running a little low on the laugh-out-loud comedy moments that are concerned with the major themes that make up each half of the episodes - it even goes as far as leaving us on a decidedly serious cliff-hanger. That is not so say that the references and non sequiturs have lost any of their novelty value though, effects of Cipro, Online Cipro without a prescription, and SHAFT's visuals are still an absolute delight. The humour seems to be losing that frenetic, low dose Cipro, Cipro photos, hard-hitting quality that endeared it to me at first - as is so often the case, jokes get tired so I'm hoping that the break between this and the forthcoming second season gives them the break they need, buy Cipro without a prescription. Cipro pharmacy,

Behold the minimally cultured nature of potato starch

The culture festival looms but, for reasons I didn't fully understand, Cipro use, Where can i find Cipro online, the class are instructed to make the minimal possible effort with being cultured. The end results are suitably unexpected and downright odd however, Cipro natural. It stands to reason that a lump of potato soaked in iodine possesses the minimal requirements for being cultured, right, Cipro For Sale. Cipro coupon, Right?. The other rejected contenders were a nice mixture that gave a number of the class a few moments in the spotlight although there's still an emphasis on the female ones; an observation not lost on the short critique segment at the end, Cipro dosage. Purchase Cipro online, This I think is something I would have liked to have seen more of - sadly this parody of the similar skit that was found at the end of the Lucky Star episodes - an ‘Unlucky Channel’, if you will - is probably going to be a one-off, is Cipro safe. Cipro maximum dosage, At any rate, it was a nice bonus at the end of the tenth episode; overall I reckon the best bits were the likes of a Columbia Pictures and a James bond theme parody, Cipro without a prescription, Buy Cipro no prescription, which didn't have anything to do with the storylines themselves at all.

James Bond Parody

Cipro For Sale, Ep #11 marked an upturn in quality though, possibly because the comedy returned to doing what it does best: highlighting home truths in a sharply observational manner. Portraying metaphorical ‘escape routes’ in fields as diverse as fictional writing and home cooking were inventive, purchase Cipro for sale, Cipro dose, funny, right on the money and surreal in the best possible way, Cipro price, coupon. Kjøpe Cipro på nett, köpa Cipro online, There was even a hint of an in-joke on the part of the show's creators concerning adaptatons that are faithful to their source material, which I thought was a nice touch, discount Cipro. Buy Cipro online cod, The hibernation sketch pushed things back into zany territory but I actually enjoyed it more than the previous instalment. The single most amusing thing in either episode was that of Itoshiki's trademark catchphase being borrowed on several occasions by others; it's one of the show's best running gags but when the likes of a shrine monk and a movie director take it on they bring a new lease of life to it, Cipro price. Cipro used for,

Borrowing the hero's catchphrase has left me in despair!

I can only wonder how this show is going to end though. Changing the op theme tune ten episodes in smacks of unpredictability, Cipro overnight, Cipro from canada, so with this and the shock ending of ep #11 in mind I have absolutely no idea as to how the first season will be wrapped up. That's assuming anyone's still subbing (let alone watching) this show by now, where can i buy cheapest Cipro online, Cipro without prescription, which is a bit of a shame when it's one of the most innovative animated comedies I've seen in a long, long time, cheap Cipro. What is Cipro. Cipro interactions. Cipro blogs. Where can i buy Cipro online. Cipro recreational. Fast shipping Cipro.

[1 Comment]

[Anime Reviews]

13 Nov 2007

Bactroban For Sale

Posted by Martin [Tags: Sayonara Zetsubou-sensei]

Bactroban For Sale, That wild op theme and off-the-wall imagery is a constant reminder that this show is still worth following, even if it's lost a bit of its edge as the series progresses. First up here is the episode dedicated to the class rep Kagero Usui - the one who is always overshadowed, Bactroban for sale. Order Bactroban from mexican pharmacy, Itoshiki's rant on the subject of forgotten personalities was as always melodramatic but not without its truths: I was aware that the famous Curie name applied to both the husband and wife who made such important discoveries in science; nevertheless, the point is proved to me because I didn't know about their Nobel Prize-winning children either, buy Bactroban without prescription. Buy Bactroban no prescription, Of course, Kafuka's on hand to point out the metaphorical cloud's silver lining, generic Bactroban, Where to buy Bactroban, which marks a much-needed return for her optimistic contributions; the way in which her personality contrasts with Itoshiki-sensei was one of the best aspects of the early episodes so I was glad to see it return. Even shadows have an important part to play in life, Bactroban wiki, Order Bactroban no prescription, although I'm not sure that Usui would agree.

He who is overshadowed

The Criticism Training that follows makes a neat use of wordplay, which results in the said training being taken by the fire officer, Bactroban For Sale. If he had made some references to his own job as well as doing the criticising thing it might have been funnier; not that I can think of a way in which that could have been worked into it, purchase Bactroban for sale. Bactroban dangers, *shrugs* oh well, it was still pretty good, Bactroban overnight. Bactroban cost, Additionally, the episode feels less like two separate halves because Usui's predicament crops up towards the end too - avoiding the fractured nature of the eps that cover two separate characters and situations, Bactroban reviews. Online Bactroban without a prescription, Rest assured Usui, this really was your episode, Bactroban use.

Dig the background details: yer mum. Bactroban For Sale, The ninth ep didn't work nearly as well, although it did improve after the rest of the class started pointing out the mistakes they made (invariably referencing their respective quirks and defining characteristics). Fast shipping Bactroban, The highlight here was one ‘mistake’ who actually turns out to be Itoshiki's nephew...still, it had me wondering at first, Bactroban alternatives. Bactroban price, Adding another character is often a good sign so I hope to see more of him in later episodes.

Who's that boy?

Overall the humour seems to be losing momentum a bit, buy Bactroban without prescription, Cheap Bactroban no rx, which is not surprising really. The novelty value is bound to drop over time but if noting else the show's own distinctive (and really quite beautiful) artwork and playful use of references crammed in left, where can i buy cheapest Bactroban online, About Bactroban, right and centre are enough to sustain it through the comedic dry spells; we can all be saved from the depths of true despair though now that the second season is planned.

And, <b>Bactroban street price</b>, <b>Where can i cheapest Bactroban online</b>, just to round things off, a bit of current affairs
And, what is Bactroban, Bactroban from canadian pharmacy, just to round things off, a bit of current affairs, buy Bactroban from canada. Bactroban treatment. Cheap Bactroban. Comprar en línea Bactroban, comprar Bactroban baratos. Bactroban schedule. Where can i buy Bactroban online. Bactroban over the counter. Bactroban gel, ointment, cream, pill, spray, continuous-release, extended-release. Bactroban from mexico.

[1 Comment]

[Anime Reviews]

02 Oct 2007

Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei 6 and 7

Posted by Martin [Tags: Sayonara Zetsubou-sensei]
I've always wondered while watching this show what sort of background made Itoshiki the hopeless soul he is now and whether the unfortunate naming has affected other members of his family. Episode #6 went some way to explaining it all, which was nice. If you thought it was bad being a teacher whose name can be read as 'Professor Despair', how much of a problem would it be if you were a medic whose name read 'Dr. Death'?

A troubled young doctor

Perhaps unsurprisingly, his family are an odd bunch. Apart from his brother Mikoto, his other siblings include a sister whose beauty is matched only by her fiery temper when her own name is taken out of context...and we haven't met any of the others yet. The weirdest thing of all was the bizarre romantic tradition that ensnares our poor hero. It's at this point where SZS pokes fun at the harem genre even more mercilessly than is usual, as if the yuri- and bondage-filled op titles weren't enough of a giveaway already (what is up with those, anyway?).

Rules of engagement...and marriage

Taking the arranged marriage concept and stretching it to eye contact being a satisfactory basis for matrimony was pretty inspired. The farcical storyline here repeatedly reminds me of some unnamed comedy show or other locked away in the recesses of my memory, which may be attributed to the fairly British style of humour I was brought up on. The themes of arranged marriage and so on owe more to Japanese traditions of course, but I think this show is frequently lampooning and referencing material outside of the anime circle and even its own country of origin - is that a rarity in anime comedy, I wonder? This is certainly an interesting take when considering the beginning of ep #7, which (as the subs informed me, since I've never got around to watching it) is supposed to take off the US TV show Alias. I'm guessing that it's a hit over in Japan as well though, or this part would have been as lost on its domestic audiences as the South Park skit on FLCL was. Anyway, this ep was somewhat funnier, especially in its first half. That is very much focused on Japanese pop culture, specifically the doujinshi subculture.

The five stages of composition

I'm sure those who have seen the likes of Genshiken (my copy is in the post...yay) and Comic Party will get the most out of the way in which this is sent up - complete with faux-cheap animation that's made to look like cardboard cutouts on sticks. I'm not familiar with this side of fandom but still grasped the concept of the '4 koma' story structure...which our hero cleverly interprets to reflect on his own views: the four stage composition with the Forbidden Fifth Stage. Here we go then: Introduction->Development->Climax->Conclusion->DARKNESS! I absolutely loved the examples given for the four stages and how they shape a story, and the fifth that brings in the despair for each. Sheer genius! then there's the delightful scene in which the references come thick and fast, culminating in Itoshiki's get-up getting him mistaken for a cosplayer... The second half seemed to rely on one gag that didn't stretch quite as effectively but I was still chuckling at the way in which anything is fair game as the subject for the festival mikoshi. Once again, the way in which material goods and marketing ploys are shoehorned into every aspect of traditional Japanese life in Itoshiki's paranoid worldview are utterly nuts...yet strangely his ranting actually makes you think over whether everything that's good in this world really IS being corrupted by despair! Maybe that's just me.

Mikoshi issues

Apart from the brilliant personalities of Itoshiki and his class, I'm still enthralled by the art style, which looks like it's received a great deal of love and attention in bringing it to the screen. The frequent non-sequitur eyecatches and so on give it a rapid-fire sketch show feel at times, keeping the viewer alert and giving the likes of Family Guy a run for their money; I quite like it when comedies take this approach because when they're not labouring the point with punchlines it feels like the show is assuming you're sharp enough to get the gags. I have to say that comedy that doesn't insult the audience's intelligence is not as widespread as it used to be so I can only welcome seeing more of this show.

[2 Comments]

[Anime Reviews]

19 Sep 2007

Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei 4 and 5

Posted by Martin [Tags: Sayonara Zetsubou-sensei]
This is one of those shows where summarising and commenting on things such as storylines is a bit futile. What there is of a storyline is steered by the humour, which is the opposite of pretty much everything I watch, comedy included. Still, these eps did succeed in making me laugh. A lot.

A suspicious character... Ask a silly question... One thing that never ceases to amaze me is how this show can take on potentially sensitive subjects - in this case the idea of domestic violence (okay, the actual situation just looks that way, but still...). It shouldn't contain any humour value at all, or so I thought at first. The old comic staple of embarrassing misunderstandings comes into play though, as our heroic teacher sees the worst-case scenario and jumps to conclusions. Of course, we eventually learn the truth isn't nearly as serious as it first appears; it's just bloody weird. I mean, I 'got' the idea of the girl going through personal injury because of her love for animals (it's a very extreme and very funny take on Azu Manga Daioh's Sakaki and her painful experiences) but a tail fetish?! That's even stranger than the idea of Orange Road manga being used as an offensive weapon...!

Here kitty, kitty! The story that follows, that of the girl who communicates through phone mail, didn't work as well for some reason. It could be because her vindictive nature didn't quite feel right - it would have been just as funny if her messages were harmless but just as random as the stuff the other kids come out with. On the other hand, not much could follow on from the all-out oddness of a tail collection and those weird military-style aerobics segments that kept cropping up, anyway.

Amen to that. 'Nuff said. Amen to that. This ep did remind me of the other great thing about this show: for all his rants about things that make him feel despair, Itoshiki often picks up valid points, such as how people are unafraid to be more offensive on the 'net than in real life. Coming to think of it, there's a lot to feel despair about what the online world has burdened us with: spam e-mail (no, I DO NOT want viagra, bogus inheritance or a new fireplace), 4-chan (my eyes! they cannot unsee!!!111!!eleven!!!), AOL (kill it with FIRE!)...the list goes on.

Heh. TOLD. The concept of materialism and living beyond one's means is a serious topic too I think, but it didn't stop me creasing up when Itoshiki declares one pupil to be a cheapskate and punishes him accordingly - with a smaller desk. Again, the episode falls a bit flat in the second half, although any series deserves some credit if it's able to draw even the smallest amount of humour from the hackneyed 'hot springs' episode idea - it seems to be the recurring thing for pretty much every anime comedy I've seen. That just makes me suspect that SZS was in 'parody' mode at this point but I feel it works better when it's in 'WTF-style originality' mode instead. At least there's plenty of that on offer though so it's still a really original and painfully funny show.

Goodness me, is that a smile?

[3 Comments]

[Anime Reviews]

02 Sep 2007

Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei 2 and 3

Posted by Martin [Tags: Sayonara Zetsubou-sensei]
Bure bure bure bure... I don't think I'll run out of reasons for saying that this show is a piece of comic genius. High school comedies are two-a-penny (or a dime a dozen, depending on where you shop) so it's testament to the writing that it can play around with the personality stereotypes and still offer something new - in ep #2 it goes all Welcome to the NHK! on us as Itoshiki-sensei and Kafuka are given the unenviable task of getting a hikikomori to attend class. By a twist of events, the two of them succeed...more or less. That is to say the poor kid is scared out of her room and decides to hole up in the science lab instead.

The hikikomori cometh... I can see this being a running gag since the antisocial bishoujo winds up hiding in various classrooms and, at one point, inside a desk. "Please return to your seat." "You'll soon grow used to it." "I'd really rather not." Great stuff. Then there's the stalker who decides she has a crush on Itoshiki, and starts a chain of suspicion...my personal favourite scene is where the gallant teacher offers his own 'anti-survival kit' for suicide pacts, complete with pills, an ink pot and a will. It never ceases to amaze me how the turns of events bring about the most unlikely outcomes - Itoshiki is a paranoid individual with suicidal tendencies (although his fear of people suing over ridiculous claims is right on the money - the 'hot coffee' reference points to a very real problem of ridiculous lawsuits, which are lampooned by the Stella Awards) but somehow it all turns out okay. I dig irony.

A suicide survival kit That's right: it includes the Best of Enya. Genius! We also meet an overseas student with a culture shock-induced multiple personality disorder, but what I found even funnier is how an illegal immigrant bought her student ID number from a former student who now lives in a cardboard box. Very surreal but all the funnier for it.

The student who sold his pride Every now and then echoes of the Goons and Monty Python creep through, which leads me to another point. As subjective and occasionally insular as humour is, the ability for SZS's own brand to cross seemingly overwhelming cultural boundaries is staggering: I'm laughing myself silly at a schoolroom comedy written by (and for) people of another country, in a different language! The comedy is also pretty close to the bone at times - I wonder whether illegal immigrants or overseas students will take offence to any of this. My guess is that they won't. There are a lot of home truths behind these gags though: as amusing as the hikikomori can be, it's a serious social issue. Not that SZS is a show that goes for social commentary, but it still sails close to the wind in terms of poking fun at topics that might be a bit sensitive. My own view is that laughter is an antidote to the gravity of the world's problems - I was nodding in agreement at Itoshiki's paranoid fears because they actually contain a few grains of truth! The important thing is however, it never fails to deliver on the laughs - nor on the innovative and quite beautiful artwork. Because I'm no art expert I can only pin it down to a mixture of sepia-tinged 1920s art nouveau and traditional Japanese Ukiyo-e - a bizarre aesthetic style for a contemporary comedy but it somehow works.

Dig the sepia.

[2 Comments]

[Anime Reviews]

27 Aug 2007

Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei #1

Posted by Martin [Tags: Akayuki Shinbo, Sayonara Zetsubou-sensei]
How in Heaven's name did this slip under my radar? Even after the favourable intro I read over at Epic Win the other day, I was surprised at how I 'got' this very twisted and offbeat show. Some animated comedy makes me inwardly chuckle, others make me snicker outwardly but this was the first time in A LONG time that I was creased-up, laughing out loud and almost falling off my chair at any TV show, animated or otherwise. Sayonara Zesubou-sensei isn't funny. It's bloody hilarious.

Meet the most depressed teacher EVAR This is a comedy show. No, really. The concept, that of a consistently pessimistic homeroom teacher having to teach the most positive-minded student imaginable, is a pretty simple one, I admit. Most comedy double-acts rely on polar opposites for the character dynamics but the nauseatingly extreme personalities are only half the story: it has a suicidal twist which adds a very dark and edgy streak to the humour, which I absolutely loved from the get-go. The first scene, where our comic duo first meet, is a shoujo-esque spring morning of sakura blossoms and pastel colours until Kafuka saves Itoshiki-sensei from hanging himself (while we're on the subject, remember that volume #4 of Paranoia Agent was edited for its UK release for making light of such things...I'm not holding my breath for a licence for this). Itoshiki-sensei sees nothing but despair from life in a way that makes the Hitch-hiker's Guide to the Galaxy's Marvin look normal; Kafuka in contrast is likened to Anne of Green Gables and thinks of dustbins as 'treasure chests for the homeless'. She is one of many weird and wonderful members of his class, who are given as their first assignment to list their top three despairs.

Meet Mr Ray of Sunshine The first lesson is always the hardest. The idea of a suicidal teacher and irrepressably happy student in a classful of oddballs sounds like a one-trick pony to me though, so I don't know how many attempted hangings poor old Itoshiki-sensei will go through before the joke wears thin. I'm not sure whether the title of the series refers to his habit of suicide attempts either, or whether it's a hint that Kafuka can turn his life around and shed this persona - with the plot almost nonexistent and the gags so unpredictable, I'm not sure what will happen next.

Nuff said. The essence of the show in one image Apart from this and the innovative artwork, such as the Gankutsuou-style way in which the clothing textures are rendered, this is a very different show from what's currently on offer. The setup is like that of Azumanga Daioh's evil twin, with schoolroom comedy clashing with a Type O Negative variety of self-effacing, morbid humour that may offend some (I promise I won't flame you...much). The comedy is rapid-fire and reliant on puns and wordplay in the FLCL vein - the teacher's name is allegedly made up of an unlucky number of strokes, and when written horizontally spells the 'despair' of the title. My knowledge of hiragana is limited and that of kanji is nonexistent so some of the impact is lost on me but nevertheless there are plenty of laughs from the small details; I was pressing the pause button repeatedly to read the gags scrawled on the chalkboards in the background!

Can you read that? The caption on the left says "I'm not postrating myself. I'm looking at the sky on the other side of the Earth." The one on the right reads "I still mess up kanji on a cell phone." This is typical high shool sketch-type of comedy, complete with references to other shows, melodramatic plot devices (I'm using 'plot' in the loosest sense of the word here) and larger-than-life characters. The idea of the chalk-and-cheese personalities of Itoshiki-sensei and Kafuka (possibly named after the lead character of Kafka on the Shore, which is the icing on the referencing cake for me) is a good one though, so I'm interested to see what, if anything, the show does with them. The op theme, by the way, is a suitably incongruous and catchy up-tempo rock number. Utterly nuts.

This show will provide endless contenders for a captions competition

[6 Comments]

Buy Amoxicillin Without Prescription

posts tagged “Sayonara Zetsubou-sensei”

Buy Viagra Without Prescription

Buy Clindamycin Gel Without Prescription

Buy Abilify Without Prescription

Colchicine For Sale

Cipro For Sale

Bactroban For Sale

Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei 6 and 7

Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei 4 and 5

Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei 2 and 3

Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei #1

Latest Posts

My new blog

Me@Twitter

Blogroll

Meta

Other Stuff