While none of the new series in the new season are especially appealing yet, last season’s offerings are still going strong, and some series from the season before that had strong endings. Kabitzin predicted Baccano! would be my “killer app” for the new season; I’ll definitely have to check it out due to his rather emphatic recommendation.
Fresh Baked:
- Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann: Timeskip was amazing. A long-running series like Dragon Ball attracts a huge devoted following in part because you can see the characters literally grow and develop over the course of several generations. Gurren Lagann manages to evoke the same kind of magic, but in a succinct manner.
- Claymore: Hot damn, this series is still gut wrenchingly intense. I second Kabitzin’s opinion that Clare is awesome because she finds new applications for her existing techniques instead of magically powering up with a secret finishing move. On a semi-related note, I found that you can make a decent greatsword-wielding Claymore using Soulcalibur III’s Create-a-Soul mode (note: click the black screen to start the video).
- Dennou Coil: I’m a bit late to the party on this one, but I have to agree that it’s one of the most innovative series in a long time. I love stories that deal with the applications of advanced technology in everyday life; sometimes I’m just more interested in futuristic education systems or architecture rather than the giant robots.
- Oh! Edo Rocket: This seriously needs more subbage! The eclectic mix of oddball characters, period piece stylings, demons vs. ninjas, and total lack of a “save the world” plot makes this series hard to describe. But suffice to say, I like it, and I want more. Pretty catchy OP, too!
- Lucky Star: Just barely hanging on to the top 5. The parodies have become increasingly blatant, yet there’s something about the cosplay cafe that really clicked. I especially like how Konata was totally into the Haruhi dance, breathing heavily with radiant eyes as she struck the final pose. But who was cosplaying as Yuki? Don’t tell me it was the real thing!!??
Rising Dough:
- Code Geass: So trashy, yet so addictive. I feel like Lelouch is the Yagami Light of Code Geass; I was rooting for him at first, but somewhere along the way he became too twisted for my taste. I’m glad that goody-two-shoes Suzaku is finally growing some balls, but I suspect Lelouch will eat them for breakfast sooner or later o_O.
- Potemayo: I have already lost count of how many times I’ve rewatched the first episode. There hasn’t been a series that has had me laughing over and over again since… well, Pugyuru. Except that series had creepy ugly artwork. The OP is exceedingly cute, and might be my favorite of the season.
- Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei: Interesting style, but I really hate having to pause every couple of seconds to read the background text.
Day Old Bread:
- Zombie Loan: I’m not too sure how Kabitzin draws parallels with Getbackers; other than the vague yaoi vibes, this series just doesn’t seem as lively or well-animated.
- Zero no Tsukaima 2: While it’s occasionally entertaining, the repetitive shtick with Louise Naru-blasting Saito kills any respect I had. It’s like the entire first season never happened. I know it’s supposed to be a fluff show, but I would at least like *some* sign that the characters can actually learn.
- Hitohira: The bad plays were already ridiculous, but when Mugi surpassed her limits to become even *more* emo, I just stopped watching.
Finished Eating:
- NANA: I’m a sucker for this series, even though it is so trashy at times. There was a bit too much wishy-washyness and wandering in circles towards the end, but the timeskip glimpse reinvigorated my desire to see more. When’s that second season coming out?
- Emma Second Season: Surprisingly, it didn’t turn out as well as I had anticipated. The second season material from the manga was incredible, but the anime adaptation breezed too quickly though the plot, and the exemplary pacing and detail from the first season was lost. On a sidenote – be sure to read the Emma Bangaihen manga sidestories; they’re most excellent and shine light on all the past and future of the various supporting characters. Who knew that young Kelly was tsundere?
- Nodame Cantabile: Though watching CG instruments play themselves can be boring at times, I really loved the nostalgia this series evokes. Former musicians can probably relate to the atmosphere of drama and competition within the aspiring instrumentalist community. The scene with Chiaki embracing Nodame from behind made me sniffle.
On the Shelf:
Most seasons, there are a few strong contenders that I deliberately put off watching until I’ve amassed a large number of episodes. Usually in order for this to happen, I must detach myself from the series early on to avoid getting addicted. Claymore is an unfortunate casualty; by the time I realized I was hooked, it was already too late ;_;.
- Seirei no Moribito: All those who are saying it’s boring as hell are merely fueling my desire to marathon it at a later date. I love SoL!
- Saiunkoku Monogatari: Long marathons are also fun.
- Moonlight Mile, Gigantic Formula, Darker than Black, Romeo X Juliet: All getting mixed reviews, but I suppose I will find out for myself once I get around to it.
This post was written by...
Ender – who has written 219 posts on Sea Slugs! Anime Blog.
One of the original founders, and the first to attempt a coups d'état.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I may just have to check out Oh! Edo Rocket. If it truly deserves to be right up there sandwiched between Dennou Coil and Lucky Star, then I’d be doing myself a dis-service if I didn’t give it a try.
As always, I love these posts. It’s a nice way to see what shows that currently aren’t on my list are worth checking out. n_n
Timeskipping is so hot right now. We have Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, Nana, Nanoha StrikerS, Claymore, Naruto in recent series. I think there are probably more, but that’s all I recall off the top of my head.
I didn’t go in thinking I’d like Baccano! very much, but after the second half of the first episode, I was totally hooked. The storytelling seemed fresh, and the plot itself complex (and yet direct). And the music! I had the OP on loop for a good long time. CAL-LOL!!!! 319 points.
Isn’t that what the Shinigami call Ban-cry?
You need to be expelled from this country NOW.