Kabitzin on July 30, 2007 · in Progress Sheets

I didn’t watch any Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann this month, so it doesn’t make the list; however, from what I’ve seen and read, it looks like the timeskip is going to be awesome. Meanwhile, I’ve watched a bit of the summer series, but have yet to decide on a series to pick up now that Hitohira has ended. I’ve yet to really be drawn in by any of the series, although I am mildly considering Zombie Loan. It totally feels like Getbackers, and the BL undertones are equally strong.

Top Five This Month:

1. Claymore: We are rapidly approaching the best part of the manga, and I am amazed at how fast the anime is going. I’m a little concerned about how the series will get wrapped up, but until then, I’m really enjoying the ride. The lack of Lucky has been great, and we’ve been meeting some of the other Claymores (Jean needs a pair of Kamina sunglasses). Can’t wait for Phantom Menace Miria to return next month!
2. Lucky Star: Who was cosplaying as Yuki? Lucky Star has been chugging along nicely, and I hope the new characters don’t suck up too much screen time; I don’t think they really bring much to the table. Episode 16 was an especially nice treat, and I hope for more Lucky Star cosplay. BTW, call me a hater, but I don’t think Shiraishi is funny. It was ok the first time, but I’m hoping his little ED things stop soon.
3. Seirei no Moribito: We keep getting hints that the action will return, and from the looks of things the Hunters are going to be unleashed again very soon. This month has focused on more of the side characters, although the Balsa tiger scene was weird and hilarious. Hearing about Balsa’s past hit-and-run ploys was really nice, too.
4. Hitohira: Despite the WTF ending, Hitohira satisfied my need for emo and dorama. I’m glad Mugi managed to right her emotional ship, and her growth was significant, and yet realistic. I’m glad the series ended on a happy note, because there was so much potential for a bad ending (e.g. Nono losing her voice and hanging herself stretching out her vocal cords).
5. Zombie Loan: I have to admit it seems a little bit generic, but I really like Michiru. The premise reminds me of Ouran Host Club + Getbackers + Yu Yu Hakusho. The mystery is starting to perk my interest, although I kinda hate Chika, and Shito is not much better. I enjoyed the Koyomi/Yomi moments, because you never know when your new friend will suddenly turn into a yuri-fanatic and start hearing dead people. Is that the Seventh Sense?

Rising:

• Code Geass: Episode 24 was every bit as unintentionally hilarious as I had hoped it would be. It makes me wonder what would have happened if someone had killed Lacus and sent Kira into a real rage. Watching Suzaku angrily pwn scrubs, and punch that stupid Lloyd in his stupid face was so enjoyable. Even better was watching Villetta regain her memories, and seethe about sleeping with scrubby Ogi before shooting him with his own gun. The episode was then capped off with Lelouch’s totally awesome plan to dispatch Cornelia before blasting her toadie!
• Zero no Tsukaima:: So far season 2 of ZnT is more of the same, but that’s ok if you just want some fluffy entertainment. The introduction of a plot makes me roffle my waffles. I now know that all secretaries are secretly hot, evil, busty women who want to take over the world.
• Potemayo:: Holy crap, the first two episodes of this series were incredibly cute. It really does feel like a less oddball Pugyuru with better art.
• Kaze no Stigma: Still kinda stupid, but the introduction of a new engrishy harem member and Juugo’s super-creepy plans to have Kazuma sleep with Ayano have helped this series tread water.

Falling:

• Umisho: Why not just name this series B00bs and Blushing? The way the blushing is drawn is really ugly, too. This series is even worse than I thought it would be, although it was interesting to have a woman hiding in the men’s bathing area.
• School Days: I had high hopes for this show, but without bad endings, I’m not sure there is any draw. The girls are so damn pathetic, and now I keep having nightmares of other series devolving into School Days and having the bad ending!
• Doujin Work: Somehow this show manages to make 13 minutes feel rather long. The jokes are so heavy-handed and easy to predict, and they are not at all funny. The only things I like about this show are the realistically crappy art that Najimi draws and the first part of the ED which I think would make a fantastic ringtone.