Fall Anime 2011
Well now that we are 3 weeks in I figure I might as well do a preview of my feelings on the fall anime season.
Well first of all I will say despite 2011 being an amazing year for anime (in the way that it's really gotten me back in the anime fandom on a multiple series basis) I think the fall season has been largely a disappointment with a couple exceptions.
Dropped
Kimi to Boku (1 episode watched): Yeah this is one of the shows I was really anticipating this fall season but I found the first episode boring and all the characters really flat. I heard a new character in the 3rd episode brings some life to the series but at this point I don't really care. Anyways there is another new boys High School comedy series coming out this winter (also with a good seiyuu cast). So I am hoping that one will be better.
Tamayura Hitose (1 episode watched): This wasn't bad (and I loved the OP song) but frankly it just isn't for me. I like heart warming and feel good series (such as Ikoku no Meiro Croisee) but this one was just too peaceful and slow for me. I just don't see how I can watch it on a week to week basis
Un-Go (2 episodes watched): I only watched the 2nd episode because people said it got better. Well the 2nd episode was better than the first but that isn't saying much.: Boring character designs, boring characters, and predictable mysteries. And also the character INGA (panda boy/girl) is just incredibly annoying to me. People are saying there is probably an overaching story that will be more interesting than the individual mysteries; but this is Bones we are talking about. When was the last time they delivered a good original ending? I will say the OP & ED are really nice but that's about it.
Of course after these shows are over if I get reviews that I missed something downright incredible I might reconsider and watch these again. But for now they are definitely dropped.
Tentative
Hunter X Hunter (3 episodes watched) I expect to follow this for at least 1 cour and I am enjoying it for now. It's fun to revisit this series which I have not read in years. After the first cour is over we will see if I continue. It depends on my schedule and how many series I pick up in January. Overall Hunter X Hunter is definitely one of the better shounen series.
Guilty Crown (2 episodes watched) This should get the "I can't believe I am watching this junk award". Granted it keeps me engaged more so than my 3 dropped series (as in I am not looking at the clock wondering when the episode will be over) but the series is like one walking cliche. Yes it's pretty to look at but not much else (well okay some of the side characters are interesting). Also don't get me started on the blatant fanservice & one dimensional villains (who so far have done everything except kill a kitten).
The main character is pretty boring too although I suppose he has potential to grow. Basically I will give this a few more episodes (because I am a glutton for punishment) but in the end it will probably be dropped.
Keepers
Chihayafuru (3 episodes watched) This is absolutely wonderful and makes up for the rest of the lackluster season. It's like Hikaru no Go just with Karuta and a female protagonist (and since it's Josei probably more focus on relationships). My only worry is the first 3 episodes were a flashback to the main characters childhood. Now that we are going back to the present I just hope the series doesn't change too much. But so far the writing & direction has been stellar. I honestly wouldn't of minded seeing the characters as children more. It was really just a wonderful tale of friendship; and I'm a total sucker for things like that.
The Awesome Opening
Fate Zero (2 episodes watched; 1st ep was 47 minutes) I picked this up only yesterday because I was hearing good things about it and I am reall glad I did. I was originally not interested because I never watched Fate Stay Night (and this is the prequel) or played any of the games but this series seems to be okay for a newbie (even though it does spoil some things revealed in Night).
The first episode was largely exposition but I thought it was helpful in introducing a new viewer like me to the characters & world of the series. The 2nd episode is where most of the action starts. Anyways like Guilty Crown this series has impressive production values but unlike Guilty Crown it backs that up with compelling characters & setting.
Opening
I think my only worry is since this is a prequel I am pretty sure the characters sad fates are already set but I guess it was the same with Anna Karenina and that didn't stop me from enjoying that book.
Other Stuff I am Watching
My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
One Piece (sort of like HXH only for awhile)
Tiger & Bunny (still on episode 3 but I might watch more tonight)
Mawaru Penguin Drum (Of course)
Turner Classic Movies (Another Given)
Well first of all I will say despite 2011 being an amazing year for anime (in the way that it's really gotten me back in the anime fandom on a multiple series basis) I think the fall season has been largely a disappointment with a couple exceptions.
Dropped
Kimi to Boku (1 episode watched): Yeah this is one of the shows I was really anticipating this fall season but I found the first episode boring and all the characters really flat. I heard a new character in the 3rd episode brings some life to the series but at this point I don't really care. Anyways there is another new boys High School comedy series coming out this winter (also with a good seiyuu cast). So I am hoping that one will be better.
Tamayura Hitose (1 episode watched): This wasn't bad (and I loved the OP song) but frankly it just isn't for me. I like heart warming and feel good series (such as Ikoku no Meiro Croisee) but this one was just too peaceful and slow for me. I just don't see how I can watch it on a week to week basis
Un-Go (2 episodes watched): I only watched the 2nd episode because people said it got better. Well the 2nd episode was better than the first but that isn't saying much.: Boring character designs, boring characters, and predictable mysteries. And also the character INGA (panda boy/girl) is just incredibly annoying to me. People are saying there is probably an overaching story that will be more interesting than the individual mysteries; but this is Bones we are talking about. When was the last time they delivered a good original ending? I will say the OP & ED are really nice but that's about it.
Of course after these shows are over if I get reviews that I missed something downright incredible I might reconsider and watch these again. But for now they are definitely dropped.
Tentative
Hunter X Hunter (3 episodes watched) I expect to follow this for at least 1 cour and I am enjoying it for now. It's fun to revisit this series which I have not read in years. After the first cour is over we will see if I continue. It depends on my schedule and how many series I pick up in January. Overall Hunter X Hunter is definitely one of the better shounen series.
Guilty Crown (2 episodes watched) This should get the "I can't believe I am watching this junk award". Granted it keeps me engaged more so than my 3 dropped series (as in I am not looking at the clock wondering when the episode will be over) but the series is like one walking cliche. Yes it's pretty to look at but not much else (well okay some of the side characters are interesting). Also don't get me started on the blatant fanservice & one dimensional villains (who so far have done everything except kill a kitten).
The main character is pretty boring too although I suppose he has potential to grow. Basically I will give this a few more episodes (because I am a glutton for punishment) but in the end it will probably be dropped.
Keepers
Chihayafuru (3 episodes watched) This is absolutely wonderful and makes up for the rest of the lackluster season. It's like Hikaru no Go just with Karuta and a female protagonist (and since it's Josei probably more focus on relationships). My only worry is the first 3 episodes were a flashback to the main characters childhood. Now that we are going back to the present I just hope the series doesn't change too much. But so far the writing & direction has been stellar. I honestly wouldn't of minded seeing the characters as children more. It was really just a wonderful tale of friendship; and I'm a total sucker for things like that.
The Awesome Opening
Fate Zero (2 episodes watched; 1st ep was 47 minutes) I picked this up only yesterday because I was hearing good things about it and I am reall glad I did. I was originally not interested because I never watched Fate Stay Night (and this is the prequel) or played any of the games but this series seems to be okay for a newbie (even though it does spoil some things revealed in Night).
The first episode was largely exposition but I thought it was helpful in introducing a new viewer like me to the characters & world of the series. The 2nd episode is where most of the action starts. Anyways like Guilty Crown this series has impressive production values but unlike Guilty Crown it backs that up with compelling characters & setting.
Opening
I think my only worry is since this is a prequel I am pretty sure the characters sad fates are already set but I guess it was the same with Anna Karenina and that didn't stop me from enjoying that book.
Other Stuff I am Watching
My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
One Piece (sort of like HXH only for awhile)
Tiger & Bunny (still on episode 3 but I might watch more tonight)
Mawaru Penguin Drum (Of course)
Turner Classic Movies (Another Given)