Winter 2010 First Impressions
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As most of us know, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. I haven’t seen many of the new shows premiering, but I thought I would make a general first impressions post of those I’ve seen. I’m ranking these on a 5 point scale.
1 = Facepalm, 2 = Yawn, 3 = Meh, 4 = Waku Waku, 5 = Epic!
I might as well list them in the order I watched them:
Ladies Vs. Butlers = Yawn
I don’t know which is worse, the stereotypical harem or the stereotypical male lead. The only thing that prevented me from letting my hand meet my forehead was the sadistic girl who we’re just not sure about yet. Flameheart is the type of Tsundere I don’t like: In other words they’re trying way too hard to be that one dimensional stereotype. They’re not trying to create a character at all. I might give it one more episode, but this series will probably be dropped.
Sora no Woto = Waku Waku
What can I say? I’m a trumpet player and Kanata is cute. This show has a lot of things going for it. The animation quality is fantastic, the sound effects are great, and the music has me pretty darn excited. The only thing this show needs is a bit of character development, intrigue, and a coherent fun plot to be epic. It hasn’t achieved that as of episode one, but it will definitely get a chance to prove itself to me.
Chu-Bra!! = Facepalm
Really? Are they seriously making this show? On some level I want to give it the benefit of the doubt because it seems almost feminist in the way it handles the underwear issue. Why should women be embarrassed of their own clothing, or sexuality for that matter? It presents us with the built in social hypocrisy of expecting people not to ask questions about their own bodies while harassing and exiling them upon their break of social convention. However, I can’t help but feel it completely ruined the point by being an entirely fan service oriented show making the girls so dumb it almost appears they’re turning them into objects. I’ll probably give this one more chance, but as of now there’s hardly a plot to speak of. If they make a point I’ll tune in to watch it.
Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu = Meh (revised to a Waku Waku as of episode 2. More here)
The sad part is I think this system would work. I actually really liked how quickly they set up the entire premise and threw everyone into their roles. Of course I think it’s pretty darn unfair that class F got a ringer and felt sorry for class E. Hitomi Harada is just an unfair advantage when she can destroy pretty much anyone. It’s like having a level 99 Mewtwo with psychic facing off against level ten grass types. It actually kind of ruins the entire system and the moral they were trying to present, “Grades aren’t everything”, when clearly they are in this system. The entire basis of the system is grades and the show has become Hitomi with awesome grades against everyone else. Still a system like this would really encourage people to raise their grades and I laughed really hard when I saw kids running in to take “recovery” tests. Who would take tests willingly?
Even though the characters were pretty two dimensional it’s not bad to have stock characters sometimes. Not to mention the class representative was just a lot of fun in his treatment of the protagonist.
The show is simple and stupid, but it’s fun and sure to have a lot of laughs. Oh, did I mention Katou Emiri is voicing the Kinoshita twins :3? I would watch this show just for her!
Dance in the Vampire Bund = Meh
I, like many other people, was vastly let down by the first episode of loli vampire queen. That doesn’t mean it won’t be a good show it just means the first episode underwhelmed me. The game show was an interesting idea for starting the show, but in the end I think they spent to long doing it when what I really wanted was loli vampire queen. They haven’t really explored the vampire world yet, but that’s something I’m looking forward to. I didn’t really notice the music which is both a good and a bad thing. They haven’t really introduced us to many of the characters yet, just presented them as cameos really. It seems intriguing, but besides setting up her mission statement we haven’t really been introduced to the plot. So it didn’t really catch my attention. I guess we’ll see where it goes from here. Other Thoughts
Durarara!! = Waku Waku
This was a great opening. I was a fan of Baccano, but I’m much more excited for this show. I think the messed up chronology of Baccano was great, but a real let down for some things. They couldn’t really build up suspense when they kept showing us how everything ended. This isn’t bad it was just a different form of storytelling. Durarara on the other hand is giving us another unique, large cast, but they’re giving us the story chronologically and the suspense is already building. When I saw headless motorcycle girl whip a scythe out of her headless torso I knew I was hooked. It’s just a downright cool and fun world. This is probably my favorite of the new stuff I’ve seen come out so far.
The Horo cameo was epic worthy! It kind of hit me out of nowhere, just all of the sudden “Wait a second, that’s Horo! HOOORRRROOOOOO!!!!!” Needless to say, I’m excited.
Omamori Himari = Facepalm
I was bored the entire time I watched it. I barely kept myself entertained by trying to match lines with animes they’ve stolen them from. This story is completely unoriginal and a good piece of evidence to use when pointing at the industry going stagnant. I honestly felt like they just copied a bunch of different animes and stuck them all together to make this. If you don’t have a story to tell, don’t tell a story! I don’t know if this show can redeem itself, I don’t see a way at this moment.
Ookami Kakushi = Yawn
This feels like a cross between “Shakugan no Shana” and “Spice and Wolf”. Before you think about how epic that sounds I must continue by saying it’s their cross in all of the worst ways. Honestly this show could get better and that would be awesome, but as of now the characters are all kind of dull and forgettable. I guess instead of forgettable I should say I remember other character when think of them: Like Horo and Shana. I did like the epic crazy of his classmates and the odd chase scene. However, right now it’s not nearly as memorable as the first scene in Higurashi and it seems to be uncertain of what it is. Maybe after it figures it out it will be worth watching.
Oh wow! Emiri Katou is Isuzu, that crazy girl with an extra scoop of crazy. I think I might have to go back and reinvestigate the first episode with that in mind. The sad part is I’ll probably like it better. Of course with Isuzu I can’t help but think there is a very thin line between fantasy and nightmare.
In Conclusion: These reviews were based off of the first episode only so it’s very possible some of them could come back to be great while others could absolutely fail in the late game. However, I tend to think first impressions are really important in terms of letting us know what the story or anime can do.
I might post some more of these when more animes come out. There weren’t any epic beginnings this time around, but there were a couple Waku Waku’s which isn’t bad for a season that had pretty low expectations 
. I’m actually pretty excited about shows like Durarara!!, Baka to Test, and Sora no Woto. Can’t wait to see where they’re headed.
I’m still considering whether or not I want to blog about any of these series on an episodic basis and I’m not sure which one I would if I do decide to do so. I was leaning heavily towards loli vampire queen, but after that first episode I hardly knew what to say. I guess I’ll give all of these another episode before making a decision one way or the other.
Edit: Some additional ratings
Hanamaru Kindergarten = Waku Waku
Click Here for what I had to say about it.
Hidamari Sketch × Hoshimittsu = Yawn
Seikon no Qwaser = Facepalm
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11 Comments
Well, I kinda expected it, but no Epic after all
Oh well, last season didn’t look great to me at first either, but it turned out to be a great season for me. Here’s hoping for that miracle to repeat itself >.<
At least they all weren’t “Meh” or below. I was blissfully satisfied when I saw Durarara!! was at least as good if not better than Baccano. Well at least from the way it opened. I almost gave it an epic… but it just didn’t have that little bit to push it over. It was a high 4 at least
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Yeah I came off my hiatus last season and there was some pretty fun stuff going on. Though I guess I should have been around to blog Bakemonogatari. Dang, missed a ringer there. Then again what could I have really added that Jason Miao didn’t put in his epic posts? Not much, not much.
I kinda think Durarara is doing good for a start. I’ll definitely look forward to it. Omamori Himari is kinda meh but I think I’ll give it a chance. I do like swordplay afterall. Ookamikakushi seems intersting though. It showed a bit of mystery at the beginning and that’s what I always looked for in Anime that I watch.
OOkamikakushi is interesting. I’m not sure how to rule on it quite yet. Unfortunately, the first episode gave me bad flashes to the Stepford Wives and Shakugan no Shana. Don’t get me wrong I liked Shakugan no Shana a lot, that’s why I don’t like seeing shows that spit on the franchise
. Hopefully, it won’t spit on Shana.
I pretty much agree with all of this.
Out of the ones you listed, I’ve watched only Sora no Woto, Chu-Bra!!, Dance in the Vampire Bund, Durarara!! and Ookami Kakushi.
Of course, I like SoraWoto.
Chu-Bra!! is silly but I might give it a few more episodes if only for the reason that I want to see short-tempered Kiyono who’s voiced by Hikasa Youko. Can’t help it if one of my fave seiyuu is involved :p. Unfortunately that means I have to put up with Chihara Minori voicing an energetic character, the type of role which I think she still sucks at. The story doesn’t click with me at the moment and I doubt it ever will. Maybe I’m just in it for guilty pleasure lol.
First episode of Vampire Bund got trolled by Shinbo. I appreciate originality to a certain extent but what he did threw everything out the window. I’m not surprised that many of the manga readers are ranting over the modifications he made to the introduction of the series. Hopefully his SHAFTing of the story stops at Episode 1, and he would stay faithful to the rest of the canon material.
Durarara!! had my favorite Episode 1 among the shows I’ve watched. The premise is confusing, mysterious and alluring, all the elements I like in the introduction of a story since I do get bored with stereotypical plot lines wherein I could predict how the next few episodes would feel like.
Ookami Kakushi, it’s kinda dull, thanks or no thanks to the dull lead character. Isuzu annoys the heck out of me and I don’t care if she’s voiced by the lovable Katou Emiri (I’m a Katou fan too but sorry Isuzu :p). Since the original concept is done by Ryukishi07, I’m giving the series the benefit of a doubt mainly because I’ve enjoyed many of his works such as the “no Naku koro ni” series and the collaboration he did with CLAMP on one of xxxHOLiC’s drama CDs.
Isuzu was really annoying, but a part of me is hoping that she’ll still break outside of her character and become an uber demon, or something awesome like that
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Chu-Bra
I won’t judge you for watching a show because you really like a seiyuu, I know I’ve done it.
It’s really sad what they did to Vampire-hime. After discovering there was a manga I went out and read it. I’m one of the few fans who saw the episode and then went and read the manga. I was even more disappointed with the first episode after that. It just doesn’t feel like it transitions well.
I’ve been watching your blog for a little while now, and I’ve finally decided to tentatively throw my two cents worth in (though it’ll be more like $20 by the end, sorry for any rambling in advance).
First of, I’m the sort of person who will watch just about anything and I’m not very picky. A rather large palate if you will. That said, I’ve been following all the above mentioned shows and here’s my take.
Ladies Vs. Butlers
Probably the first seriously out-there anime that had me cringing in moral pain within the first 20 seconds, but continue on I did. I have to agree with Keiri, similar to Chu-bra!!, it really does seem to be an anime purely for guilty pleasure, but with a character like Saikyo thrown in the mix, I can’t help but watch just to see how far she will go to remove her “boredom”. Also *looks at everyone nervously* I think the OP song is awesome, much to the displeasure of my housemates…
Sora no Woto
At first I was a little skeptical about this series, it didn’t give me an immediate sense of what the hell was going on. As it’s progressed though, I have to say I’ve become more and more interested. The story about the 5 women and that giant beast thing, the fact that the whole time line seems to be after some epic war, and finally, THE WALKING TANK!!! Sorry but that piece of gear is just way too cool. I’m really looking forward to how they’ll play on the legend of those 5 women and what (if anything) it has to do with the war and the 5 girls.
Chu-Bra!!
but after reading what you guys said a learning that the main character is Yuki’s VA, I have to say I regret starting. Don’t get me wrong, Yuki was/is a really cool character, that VA personality just doesn’t fit here.
I’ll watch it simply because I started watching it. ‘Tis the curse I carry
Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu
EPIC WIN FTW. ‘nough said… Is how I’d like to summarize. Dustin I wholeheartedly agree with your review. Also, OP is awesome
Dance in the Vampire Bund
1st Ep: WTF?
2nd Ep: K, saw that coming
3rd Ep: *sigh* Its a little predictable.
Still, its a good series. I’m interested to see how it plays out, but from what your all saying, I think I read the manga as well. I do find it interesting that they keep the stereotypical relationship between Vampire and Earth Clan, think about all the Kyūketsuki films you see that deal with Earth Clan type characters…
Durarara!!
Again, this one was a little iffy for me a first, but after EP2 (still need to see 3), It’s come to grow on me. Again, wholeheartedly agree with Dustin, and I’ll say no more.
Omamori Himari
One word: Generic. I agree guys, an anime made of others parts, stitched together with loose plot, filled with little real character development (currently) and propped up on a world of ridiculous chance and unfortunate circumstances. However, to say I’ll stop watching would be to lie. Even if its only because I have yet to see another anime with an overly-proportioned demon cat swinging a sword around while wearing a kimono…
Ookami Kakushi
I watched the first episode and then proceeded to bash my head against the wall wonder what the hell that was about.
Then I watched the second episode and proceeded to bash harder.
I have a feeling this process will continue until such a time as the animators deem it right to actually answer the questions they keep giving. In short, good show (why you ask? because It makes me want to know more, and that is a good show by my books), makes no sense currently, and I may suffer concussion if it continues like this.
[edit]
I forgot, but there is one more anime I’ve begun following that isn’t mentioned here – Nodame Cantabile: Finale. Let me put it to you all this way, 5 days before the finale ep1 came out, I was given the first season of Cantabile and told “watch it, no questions, just do it”. Am I glad I did.
23 episodes in season one? no problems. 3 days and its done. 11 episodes in season 2? bah, child’s play, over in a day. The reason? Its good, very good. In fact, I could ramble on about how good it is for hours, but I’m not. Nodame is what I’d have to say is a unique and very much refreshing style of anime. I could describe the main ideas/plot points/relationships behind the series, but I think it would be best for you to try it yourself.
Admittedly toward the end of the seasons character relationships seem to be a little too reinforced, however it is none-the-less a well thought out and well done anime. I would highly recommend this to anyone who is looking for something new to try, it will wet your appetite no end.
[end edit]
Alright, sorry to ramble guys, but there it is.
@Dabookman
Dabookman you are right at home here at YinNoPiano. Needless to say tl;dr comments are the only kind of comments we like reading here. That said the only show on the list here that I’ve currently dropped is Ladies vs. Butlers (I couldn’t get myself to watch episode 2), but after what you said maybe I’ll give it another shot. On the OP: I had a dorm mate not to long ago who I subjected to countless J-Pop. Though at first he resisted after playing “Forever We Can Make It” (the OP to To Love-Ru) about 50 billion times he was finally able to see the partially naked girls in his head. In summary he became a J-Pop convert and now listens to more than even I do. I love 100% nai nai nai: Kagami is so win.
Chu-Bra is still leaving me dazed and confused… I don’t know why I’m still watching it but I can’t stop.
I’m also still out fishing on Dance in the Vampire Bund… Once they actually start the plot progression I’ll officially weigh in on the adaptation.
Durarara!! is unique and I hope it doesn’t putter out.
Omamori Himari and Ookami Kakushi
It’s a really interesting question when you start to ask yourself why you watch anime at all. Maybe some of those elements crop up in here maybe more. I’m still putting both of these on when I’m bored, but I’m pretty sure I only watch Ookami Kakushi because of the goddess Emiri Katou. Then again it’s leaving the elements of the story a mystery. Once we figure out what’s going on my interest level in this show is going to drop faster than a Punch Line from Kagami.
All that is to say that no matter what you watch we support you d^.^ (That’s a thumbs up if you can’t tell). Any fantasy is about finding something to do with your brain when you don’t want to use it for other things and regardless I like discussing it. I really love finding out what other people like and trying to see it from their point of view. It gives me a deeper appreciation for elements I might have missed.
Great Comment and I’m glad you continue to poke your head in here every once in awhile. I hope you continue into the future
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@Dustin
Haha, thanks very much Dustin, I definitely intend too, hope I might be able to provide a little brain food from time to time.
Just as a little side note to your dorm mate story, once I was introduced to anime and its colorful J-pop/rock/music in general, I was completely and willingly converted, work entertainment now consists of a 39.2 hour long anime OP, ED and soundtracks play list… I’m a little curious to see as to how many people might share this little habit… care to tell anyone?
I know for a fact that Jason moofang over at Between Linux and Anime has an OP/ED obsession and the other Jason Miao at BlogSuki has made several passing references to his own ipods colorful selection.
Keiri seems to be more in touch with her inner Nipon than anyone I’ve met so I’m pretty sure she does too. As for everyone else I’m not sure, though I don’t think they check my backlogs very often
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