Saimoe 2011: Round 4
Biribiri (Magical Index) may have taken down potential champion Homura way back in day 1 of Round 1, but even she couldn't defeat the succubus loli Lotte (Astarotte's Toy), who advances to the Elite Eight! VictoRie! Looks like Rie Kugimiya will have a strong 2011 presence after all!
Having a "Strike Witches" girl make it this far was quite surprising, but unfortunately Erica Hartmann couldn't stand up against Tenshi from "Angel Beats," but oh well... Oh, what's this? Hartmann won?! Wow, really didn't see that one coming! Poor Tenshi & AB fans are probably heartbroken to have lost once again, but I sure am proud at the surprising success of Strike Witches this year. Way better than their last attempt in 2009 when the series was at its height of popularity.
The first of several "Madoka Magica" girls to make it this far, Madoka herself, faces off against Elsie from one of this year's surprise Saimoe successes, "World God Only Knows." But WGOK has enjoyed its success long enough, as Madoka completely dominates here.
In another unsurprising result, Squid Girl easily toppled Yuno from "Hidamari Sketch." Amazed that she made it this far, but it's the end of the line for Yuno. I really believe that Squid Girl has the best chance of dethroning the Puella Magi. Luckily she hasn't gone up against one yet, but it's coming.
Oh thank GOD! The undeserving Haqua (World God Only Knows), who took down Azunyan in Round 1, FINALLY gets taken down. It took Sayaka from "Madoka Magica" to do it, but the deed is done. Girl should've lost ages ago.
You really gotta love how threatening the "Madoka Magica" girls are depicted in these Saimoe posters. Very different from the norm, but also quite accurate, as they seem unstoppable. Mami is the latest example of this, taking down Shirayuki without even breaking a sweat & thus ending "Aria" & its Saimoe hopes.
Everyone's been surprised by how far Index (Magical Index) has come this year. I mean she's great & all, but she has faced some stiff competition this year & yet marches on. However, the "Madoka Magica" girls are just too stiff even for her, as Kyouko makes it a perfect sweep for the Puella Magi. Half of the Quarter Finalists are now from "Madoka." Very reminiscent of the "Saki" sweep from 2 years ago.
In possibly the most evenly matched fight of Round 4, Kuroneko (Oreimo) takes down Houki (Infinite Stratos), thus ending IS's run. It was once considered the best series to beat "Madoka Magica," but it just didn't happen. Squid Girl & Kuroneko probably have the best chances of that now.
Despite that, my favorite to win right now is Lotte. I lost too many of my favorites too early (Kirino, Shana, K-ON), so this year's Saimoe wont be as awesome for me as the past few. & even though I'm rooting for Lotte, her chances aren't that good. Kyouko's probably #2 for me, followed by Madoka herself. There are 4 rounds in the semi-finals, & 4 Puella Magi. However, they weren't lucky enough to get a different round each, as Madoka & Sayaka will be going against each other in the third match.