I finally finished up Shikabane Hime: Aka, but I haven’t yet gotten to SH: Kuro like I wanted to. From a quick scan, however, it looks like the first few episodes are mostly training and flashback episodes. I’ve watched most of the shows I was interested in, except White Album. I might check that show out once I catch up with all the rest of my shows, but the show seems extremely hit or miss. I’ve heard opinions ranging from “WA is great!” to “WA is confusing and slower than slow.”
Top Five This Month:
- ToraDora: I’m scared that Taiga will fall for Ryuuji before Ami and Minori have a chance to have a cat-fight to the death. The recent episodes have been incredible, and the friendship between everyone feels so real. I also liked the Gainax-style fight even though Sumire totally cheated with the ranged shoe attack.
- The Tower of Druaga: the Sword of Uruk: Although not much of substance has happened, the balance of story and humor has been very good. Kai is a great pseudo-addition to the team and when she’s around, no one’s butt is safe. It probably won’t happen for a few more episodes, but I can’t wait for the awkward reunion with Neeba and Kaaya!
- Shikabane Hime: Aka: The end to the first season was incredible and had great drama and excitement. I never would have suspected that Keisei would be so awesome when I started this series.
- Michiko to Hatchin: We’ve slipped into that subtle, character-fleshing-out stage of the journey, but the adventures of Michiko and Hatchin remain very entertaining.
- Xam’d: Lost Memories: I can’t believe we are near the end and I’m still not quite sure what is going on with the Xam’d and Hiruko. Still, who doesn’t enjoy watching Haru getting gobbled up all the time? Hmm, this green jelly bean tastes just like mom!
Rising:
- Gundam 00 Second Season: It’s hard to stop laughing at how Marina wants to be the next Azadistanian Idol, instead of a princess. How about some costume changes?
- Maria†Holic: While the show isn’t the most gripping, I’ve been entertained every episode. I think we just need more Mariya, although Kanako doesn’t annoy me as much as she did initially.
Falling:
- Casshern Sins: Ugh, Ringo. There has been way too much Ringo, and somehow the pace has slowed even further. I’d fire my agent if I got amnesia and found out that instead of inheriting a harem of hot childhood friends I had inherited a barren wasteland full of people who hated me and wanted to lay a massive guilt trip on me (and then eat me).
- Rideback: I thought this would be cool, but the first two episodes didn’t move me. I checked out the manga to look a bit into the future and I wasn’t that excited by what I saw. I guess ballet mixed with racing just isn’t my thing; so much for giving motorcycles a chance. The best thing to come out of this show so far is Spread Legs Form.
- Sora wo Kakeru Shoujo: The story has been pretty rubbish so far, and I come away each time feeling stupid for watching. Leopard is really the only thing that’s keeping my interest.
- Kurokami the Animation: Awesome episode 1 battle choreography can only disguise a boring story and a super-crappy male lead for so long. This feels like a bad remix of Shakugan no Shana and Buso Renkin and subsequent fights were not nearly as good (or as well animated).
This post was written by...
Kabitzin – who has written 1971 posts on Sea Slugs! Anime Blog.
One of the founders of Sea Slugs, I handle most of the blog admin tasks while wearing my I AM BOSS shirt. I like my action series well choreographed, and my romance series extra trashy. I also have a soft spot for puns.
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Extra HARU
Extra salt
Extra oil and AKIYUKI
I’m definitely in the “WA is great” camp, but I can see that some people might dislike it with some justification. The show requires you to watch VERY carefully, and in some scenes you might have to rewatch 1-2 times until you grasp the full context. Example: In one of the very first shots of episode 1, we see a pan over a wall calendar showing the year 1986. If you fail to recognize this and are unable to conclude the time setting from other details (like ancient BMW cars etc), then you might consider the show unrealistic due to the fact that the main characters miss each other alot. Why don’t they call each other on their mobile phones? Because there ARE NO mobile phones in 1986. Some people (including me) like that they have to use their brains due to alot of implicit storytelling, but I can understand that others might consider the show too confusing due to that.
In summary, WA is a very intelligent serious romance drama. Somewhere in the middle between True Tears, KimiNozo and School Days. For those anime fans who prefer lighter comedy/action based shows, I’d recommend to stay away. For romance drama fans it’s a must-watch, and personally I consider it to have the potential for a real classic. And I can’t remember when the last time I had a show which I could discuss with some net friends for more than an HOUR for one single episode.
Omo: I like my Haru raw, with a side of Nakiami.
Mentar: Hmm, that sounds pretty good, and I liked all 3 of the series you mentioned. I might have to check WA out and then decide if it is worth blogging as well. I miss having a good romance discussion starter.
I always had the impression that M to H was gonna be a 13 episode series. Glad I’m wrong
. Speaking of Michiko to Hatchin, they still haven’t released the OP/ED singles, have they? 
DID SOMEBODY SAY SCHOOL DAYS?!?!?! :3 That is most definitely an impressive list (KimiNozo not so much, but it was alright). Now I actually have a reason to watch it besides The Beatles reference! =3
WA is great it’s like waiting for a shitstorm to erupt and knock everyone down. Also Rina might be Sheryl’s heir this season, so long as she keeps her head on right.
Ok I have to check this WA stuff out as soon as possible.
I didn’t get much of a unique vibe from WA in the first ep, but Mentar’s comment intrigues me.
I’m way behind on Michiko and Casshern, and I have a hard time putting them on for some reason. No problem with Xam’d though, and I think I’m finishing Aka tonight.
“ranged shoe attack.”
Gotta love it.
I need to catch up on Celestial Being.
another vote for White Album for me!! I’m still not sure whether it’ll be a great series or what, but as far as I know it’s one series truly worth discussing/arguing over each week
Caught up on WA and it is pretty fun to speculate about. WA makes you work to figure out what happened, so it fosters a lot of discussion. It also reminds me how much life sucked before cell phones. However, the real question is, “Why doesn’t Yuki get a pager?”