Fall Anime 2008
Normally I find fall to be the weakest season for anime but this year it seems that fall might actually save 2008 (which has been the weakest year in awhile for me). However things are definitely picking up. Awhile back I was unsure of what series I was keeping and I ended up choosing the following:
These are just my early impressions of the series. I am not going to say any of these are OMG MUST WATCHES just yet because it's too early and I don't want to recommend something and jinx it to turn bad. Let's just say that all these series are off to very good starts but I would only watch them if the premise sounds interesting to you.
Nodame Cantabile: Paris Chapter (5/11): I don't really think this series needs an introduction, if you've seen the 1st season you are probably still following this. Admittedly I did have some issues with the 1st season I think that is because I compared it too much to the live action version which I am a big fan of. This time I didn't read the manga or watch the live action version right before watching the anime and I am actually enjoying the 2nd season a lot more. It also helps that the concert scenes are actually animated unlike the 1st season. My only complaint is they shorten concert scenes or skip some all together. While the Nodame/Chiaki romance is a big part of my enjoyment of the series, the classical music angle makes the series unique.
Casshern Sins (5/24): At first I wasn't so sure about this one because of its somber mood and somewhat angsty main character but the style, setting and beautiful score won me over. The 1st 4 episodes are somewhat episodic introducing you to the world (which is on the brink of destruction) and characters, episode 5 starts the story of Casshern and why he is the center of this destruction. The series gives you a wonderful nostalgic feel and it uses the strengths of animation to its advantage.
Tytania (4/26): Well if you like space operas/space politics I would recommend this. I don't think this series will be for everyone but if you like your space operas with just as much discussion on strategy as action (maybe more discussion) then I would recommend this. For me while it builds up slowly it's definitely a very interesting watch.
Mouryou no Hako (4/13)- Possibly my strongest recommendation especially if you like thrillers that make you think more then jump. Character designs by CLAMP (but much nicer and realistic than their usual stuff IMO). This anime sort of reminds of Baccano not in the plot or characters but in the way the story is presented in mixed up pieces and we probably won't see all the pieces together until the end. Still it's one of those series that I am really excited to find out the answers to the mysteries.
Michiko to Hatchin (2/?)- Probably the 1st thing that will grab you about this series is how very stylish it is. It takes place in Brazil and the music is composed by Watanabe Shinichiro, it also has very slick action scenes. But what I really like about this series is it doesn't just rely on the style but also engages you with an interesting relationship: an escaped female convict and a little girl who was previously poorly treated by her foster parents. So I am only 2 episodes in and I don't know how it will all turn out but with action and heart I think this has the potential to be a great series. Of course it is up to the writers to see where they go with it.
All the links go to My Anime List which I thought I would pimp in case you are not a member. I find it oddly addicting. It's a good place to keep track of what series you saw but it also has helpful reviews and recommendations. It's become one of my favorite anime resources. If you are a member add me my name is the same on there as here. :)
I realized I could accept the new LJ profile page (even though I will never be a fan I might be able to get used to it) if they got rid of the stats on the top. I really don't want that to be the 1st thing people see when they look at my profile page. I don't think that stuff should be visible at all so why it is at the top? Ugh
These are just my early impressions of the series. I am not going to say any of these are OMG MUST WATCHES just yet because it's too early and I don't want to recommend something and jinx it to turn bad. Let's just say that all these series are off to very good starts but I would only watch them if the premise sounds interesting to you.
Nodame Cantabile: Paris Chapter (5/11): I don't really think this series needs an introduction, if you've seen the 1st season you are probably still following this. Admittedly I did have some issues with the 1st season I think that is because I compared it too much to the live action version which I am a big fan of. This time I didn't read the manga or watch the live action version right before watching the anime and I am actually enjoying the 2nd season a lot more. It also helps that the concert scenes are actually animated unlike the 1st season. My only complaint is they shorten concert scenes or skip some all together. While the Nodame/Chiaki romance is a big part of my enjoyment of the series, the classical music angle makes the series unique.
Casshern Sins (5/24): At first I wasn't so sure about this one because of its somber mood and somewhat angsty main character but the style, setting and beautiful score won me over. The 1st 4 episodes are somewhat episodic introducing you to the world (which is on the brink of destruction) and characters, episode 5 starts the story of Casshern and why he is the center of this destruction. The series gives you a wonderful nostalgic feel and it uses the strengths of animation to its advantage.
Tytania (4/26): Well if you like space operas/space politics I would recommend this. I don't think this series will be for everyone but if you like your space operas with just as much discussion on strategy as action (maybe more discussion) then I would recommend this. For me while it builds up slowly it's definitely a very interesting watch.
Mouryou no Hako (4/13)- Possibly my strongest recommendation especially if you like thrillers that make you think more then jump. Character designs by CLAMP (but much nicer and realistic than their usual stuff IMO). This anime sort of reminds of Baccano not in the plot or characters but in the way the story is presented in mixed up pieces and we probably won't see all the pieces together until the end. Still it's one of those series that I am really excited to find out the answers to the mysteries.
Michiko to Hatchin (2/?)- Probably the 1st thing that will grab you about this series is how very stylish it is. It takes place in Brazil and the music is composed by Watanabe Shinichiro, it also has very slick action scenes. But what I really like about this series is it doesn't just rely on the style but also engages you with an interesting relationship: an escaped female convict and a little girl who was previously poorly treated by her foster parents. So I am only 2 episodes in and I don't know how it will all turn out but with action and heart I think this has the potential to be a great series. Of course it is up to the writers to see where they go with it.
All the links go to My Anime List which I thought I would pimp in case you are not a member. I find it oddly addicting. It's a good place to keep track of what series you saw but it also has helpful reviews and recommendations. It's become one of my favorite anime resources. If you are a member add me my name is the same on there as here. :)
I realized I could accept the new LJ profile page (even though I will never be a fan I might be able to get used to it) if they got rid of the stats on the top. I really don't want that to be the 1st thing people see when they look at my profile page. I don't think that stuff should be visible at all so why it is at the top? Ugh