First off I feeel I should apologise for a complete lack of posting in the last week and a half - I blame this entirely on two things: Legend of Zelda - Skyward Sword and Lego Harry Potter Years 5-7. What I can promise however, is that December will be seeing a fairly hefty post count. For the month of christmas I am undertaking two challenges. The first is a standard ani-blogger thing: I'll be doing my own "12 Days fo Christmas". So, from the 12th - 24th of December I will be posting about various christmas anime and manga in whatever way feels vaguely appropriate at the time.
My second challenge is somewhat larger and will be my main focus in the upcoming month. As a christmas present to Anime-Planet, I am doing "25 Days of Manga" in which I will be adding at least one manga synopsis to the database a day based on suggestions from community members in this thread. As a companion to this, I have decided that every five days I will be posting my thoughts on each manga since I will be picking up series I may never normally have touched. So, stay tuned for more posts from me in December!
One thing that I have noticed however, is that from looking at the list of suggestions in the "25 Days of Manga" thread, I started to think more about genre preferences when it comes to anime and manga. Having taken on this challenge, I will be reading manga that both appeals to me (some I had already marked as wanting to read, others are series from some of my favourite mangaka that I didn't know existed), as well as some that I would never normally have even looked at, let alone considered. It made me think that really, doing this will be a good experience, as it will expose me to genres I'd never normally bother with too much. Now, we all have certain tastes when it comes to any form of entertainment, but I can't help but wonder, should we stubbornly stick only to those which we like, or should we occasionally try something out of our comfort zone?
My thoughts are yes, we should. I'm not saying that we should all immediately change our entire viewing menu to something entirely different, but who knows what you're missing out on if you vehemently cling to one or two genres. After all, tastes change. When I first started watching anime I was, for lack of a better phrase, a yaoi fangirl. I lapped up every single shounen-ai and yaoi title that I could get hold of. However, I soon grew out of that and began to gravitate more towards slice of life, comedy and eventually shounen - all three of which now form my core choices of preferred viewing. You need to take risks sometimes, or you could be depriving yourself of a new passion. Had I not taken up a friend's recommendation to watch Bleach years ago, I may never have gotten into shounen and I certainly wouldn't have discovered the joy of watching (and reading) One Piece.
Additionally, aside from personal tastes changing as you mature, just because you like one genre, doesn't mean that you will ultimately love everything that it has to offer. Recently I picked up Choir!, a 4-koma comedy slice-of-life manga - something that should in theory have been right up my street - however, I could barely make it through the first volume and promptly dropped it as soon as I had enough fodder for a synopsis. If not everything in one genre is to your tastes, it's likely that you won't hate everything in a genre you don't particularly enjoy. As much as it may be more convenient to simply put a blanket over one type of series and exclaim "I hate xxx", there's always an exception to the rule. I personally have little time for mecha, yet I found myself oddly enjoying Neon Genesis Evangelion (well except for the last few episodes - seriously? SERIOUSLY?). Likewise I'm not a fan of zombies, or ecchi, but for some reason I genuinely love Highschool of the Dead. For me it's proof that no matter how much you think you may know yourself, there's always room for surprise!
I guess, amongst all my rambling here, my overall point is this: don't limit yourself. Try something new every now and again and if someone (who you trust I hasten to add) recommends a series to you, don't immediately dismiss it if it's not something you usually go for, as you could be surprised. And if any of you do feel inspired by this post to go and watch/read something different, then brilliant and I hope the experience pays off; and if not... well at least it'll make you appreciate the genres you like even more.
As for me, well I'll be galloping into the next 25 days with an open mind and a hint of excited trepidation in the hopes that I'll stumble upon new series that I can appreciate and enjoy.
Tuesday, 29 November 2011
Friday, 18 November 2011
Fall 2011: Mid-Season Review
We're now 7 weeks into Fall 2011 and this autumn's offerings are now in full swing, so I thought it was about time to do a mid-season review of the shows I've been watching.
Number of Episodes Subbed: 7
Total Episodes Planned: 25
Impressions: After the initial re-introduction episodes, Bakuman is back in full swing and it's really getting to the good stuff. The honeymoon is well and truly over for Takagi and Mashiro as they struggle with adjusting to their new editor and keeping Detective Trap steady in the rankings, but then, it all begins to come crashing down as they face another serious setback. Meanwhile, though Ashirogi Mutou continue to form the show's centre-post, we're getting to see more of the other mangaka and finally we're introduced to the eccentric Hiramaru. His complete lack of motivation or work ethic makes for a glorious juxtaposition with the other mangaka - plus the relationship with his editor is hilarity in a bucket. The expansion beyond the two central characters does wonders for the show and makes for a much more meaty plot. Though rivals, each of the different mangaka have a solid foundation of friendship, which causes them to rally around and support each other. I love the dynamic that this group (also known as Team Fukuda) has, because while you ultimately want Mashiro and Takagi to kick everyone's arses in the rankings, seeing them ally against a common enemy is exactly what shounen is all about, and considering how episode seven left off, I cannot wait for more.
Overall Conclusion: Still my favourite anime of the season by a decent margin. I simply can't get enough of Ashirogi Mutou.
Current Rating: 5/5
Ben-To:
Number of Episodes Subbed: 6
Total Episodes Planned: 12
Impressions: This series if dumb with a capital "durrrrr". To be perfectly frank, I spend most of my time wondering why the hell I'm watching this, as outside of the supermarket scenes it's somewhat dull, and it's beginning to get to the point where I'm having to really motivate myself to watch the next episode. For a while there was more of a plotline introduced, and the rival gangs on the hunt for lunch and glory was making things more interesting. However, that particular arc has been wrapped up in the latest episode, so I'm intrigued as to where it will go from here. The true glory of this show still remains in its ludicrous premise. That the entire thing is based around trying to get a half priced bento lunchbox and just how brutal the fighting gets because of it just never seems to get old. If it weren't for the supermarket scenes, I think this would have joined the dropped pile several episodes ago. Also, Satou dressed in a sailor outfit and animal hat wandering into the convenience store = funniest scene yet!
Overall Conclusion: I'm only watching this for the supermarket fights, but the sheer idiocy behind the premise has yet to get old and I'm still finding the seriousness of these battles hilarious.
Current Rating: 3/5
Chibi Devi!
Number of Episodes Subbed: 5
Total Episodes Planned: Currently Unknown
Impressions: With only five 5-minute episodes, there's not too much to go on really. The plot has taken a definite diversion from what I was expecting, since crybaby Honoka has already decided to give up on looking after the kid and is trying to get replacement parents. Of course, whether that actually happens remains to be seen. The anime is continuing along as it did at the beginning and Mao is still very much on the "DAWWWWW!" side. Honoka, however, I keep wanting to punch. That girl is a pitiful, whining, crying mess and an idiot to boot (seriously, you drop your kid off at a demon baby nursery and are then surprised to learn that there are other demon babies out there... really? REALLY?). When you look at how she behaves, it's no wonder the dozy bint has no friends at school. Luckily, I don't think we're supposed to massively sympathise with her - at least not judging by a comment I saw in the manga where Mao's parents were unsure whether to leave their child with somone who has such "personality problems".
Overall Conclusion: Still cute, but Honoka needs a slap.
Current Rating: 3/5
Chihayafuru
Number of Episodes Subbed: 7
Total Episodes Planned: Currently Uknown
Impressions: This series took a little warming up for me, but after watching episode four, I fell in love with it. I think what I love most about this is how they've made the competitive aspect so engaging. In theory, watching people play a card game (and a card game based on ancient poetry at that) should be mind-numbingly dull. However, the vivacity and passion with which Chihaya plays makes for compelling viewing. Additionally, that the beautiful teen is up against the odds when it comes to attracting new club members endears her plight, because hey, who doesn't love an underdog. Fundementally though, I think what appeals most to me is that it's essentially shounen for women. The manga is published in a josei magazine and is specifically targetted at women, yet it bears all the hallmarks of a good shounen: a determined protagonist with a clear dream (I'm gonna be thepirate king world's #1 karuta player) and an ability to affect those around them, intense battles, a smattering of comedy, and a hefty importance placed on friendship. I'm hoping this series keeps up its current pace, and doesn't let the romantic undertones overwhelm the game.
Overall Conclusion: This has rapidly become my favourite new series of the season. Can't wait for the next episode.
Current Rating: 4.5/5
Hidamari Sketch x SP (Complete)
Number of Episodes: 2
Impressions: Before I start, I wholeheartedly admit that I'm a Hidamari fangirl. I've loved it ever since I saw the first series several years ago, so every time I get a new fix of Yuno and the others, I get a nice dopey grin on my face. This autumn's two-episode offering places focus more on the girls' antics outside of school, so get ready for trips to the pool and an art museum. Out of the four skits, my favourite was undoubtedly the excusrion to eat barbecue with their landlady - the highlight of which was the scene in which they played Russian Roulette with wasabi-laced sushi. While enjoyable, x SP didn't quite seem to live up to its predecessors. It was good, but not exceptionally brilliant. For me, I think this is partly down to the fact that Nazuna and Nori have yet to fully ingratiate themselves to me - in particular, Nazuna seems kind of meh as a character and brings bugger all to the table. Nori at least has the whole technology aspect going for her (though this makes zero appearance here), Nazuna meanwhile just seems to get left out for not being the arty one and barely makes her presence known. However, despite not having endless love for this particular special, I still liked it and I'm still looking forward to the next series.
Overall Conclusion: Solid Hidamari goodness, but not its strongest offering.
Rating: 4/5
Kimi to Boku
Number of Episodes Subbed: 7
Total Episodes Planned: 13
Impressions: While it may have been relegated to my second favourite new series of the season, I continue to loving Kimi to Boku and still I believe it to have one of the most interesting group dynamics I've seen for a while. While initially I wasn't keen on the newest addition to the group - blonde-haired Chizuru - I've actually found that his presence is kind of awesome. The lively teen adds some much needed vivacity to the gang as it not only forces them into action, but it also highlights both Yuuki and Yuuta's deadpan personalities, as well as Kaname's serious and adult nature, which ultimately adds to the humour. I now have an odd sort of relationship with this show, as I don't tend to race to watch it the second it's finished downloading (as I tend to do with Bakuman, Ika Musume, Working'!! and to a certain extent Chihayafuru) but I still thoroughly enjoy it when I do sit down to watch.
Overall Conclusion: Best cast dynamic of the season, funny, charming and entertaining to watch.
Current Rating: 4 - 4.5/5
Morita-san wa Mukuchi 2
Number of Episodes Subbed: 7
Total Episodes Planned: Currently Unknown
Impressions: My thoughts on this have yet to change drastically. Most of the time I sit through the three minutes and don't raise a smile. But, while I don't find it hugely funny, it is easy watching. I must admit that I did enjoy this latest episode with the trainee teacher, mainly because it shook things up a bit instead of focusing on Mayu and her dead, soulless eyes (seriously, they have NO LIFE in them whatsoever; they creep me the hell out).
Overall Conclusion: Not quite drop-worthy, but still only alright.
Current Rating: 2/5
Shinryaku!? Ika Musume
Number of Episodes Subbed: 6
Total Episodes Planned: 12
Impressions: Ika-chan is as entertaining as ever and I really do adore the three setches per episode format as in a way it feels like you get triple the amount of laughs. I did particularly like the skit with Ika Musume and the remote-controlled car. Seeing her act as a R/C and bashing herself into the wall had me rolling on the floor. Also, Mini Squiddie made a welcome return in the latest episode. I think the Mini Ika-chan sections are some of my favourite as she's just so utterly adorable that I kind of wish I had my own little squidvader. This is definitely one of my most anticipated each week.
Overall Conclusion: Still great fun, though I wish they'd stop occasionally skipping weeks, I like my weekly dose of squiddy goodness.
Current Rating: 4.5/5
Tamayura ~hitotose~
Number of Episodes Subbed: 7
Total Episodes Planned: 13
Impressions: Tamayura is continuing to amble along at a steady pace. The melancholy vibe form some of the earlier episodes has now ebbed away a little as the show is branching out to look at some of the other characters and there's less mention of the deceased father (well apart from the latest episode). Now, the series has more of an aura of adorability to it, and it's certainly easy to watch - though I still wouldn't watch it while tired as I get the feeling that it's calming influence and slow pace would send me to sleep within minutes.The biggest let down of the whole anime is the visual aspect, I have a 1028p version and it still looks like it was made a good five to ten years ago - simply put, the animation is not of 2011 standards, which is a shame because the static backgrounds and skies are beautifully drawn.
Overall Conclusion: A sweet and harmless series, but it's still not managing to completely win me over.
Current Rating: 3/5
Un-Go
Number of Episodes Subbed: 6
Total Episodes Planned: 11
Impressions: I often tend to find that I'm inexplicably drawn to most of the anime from the noitaminA timeslot, so it's of no surprise that I've picked up another one and have added Un-Go to my fall list. Having only decided to pick this up last week, I've worked my way through the episodes at a reasonable pace, and so far I'm rather impressed. It's not a series that has me immediately hooked and begging for more, but it is enjoyable. I enjoy the detective genre at the best of times (I blame Conan for this), but what I like the most about Un-Go is that it deviates from the traditional idea that the genius detective sweeps in and saves the day. Yes, the genius detective does sweep in and solve the case, however, that his deductions are frequently hushed up and replaced by fabricated conclusions to best protect those with power means that he gets none of the glory and a completely contrasting nickname of the "Defeated Detective". I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what comes next, especially considering how the latest episode ended.
Overall Conclusion: One of the more intriguing series of the season so far and I'm interested to see what comes next.
Current Rating: 4/5
Working'!!
Number of Episodes Subbed: 7
Total Episodes Planned: 13
Impressions: Just over the halfway mark with this series now, and it's still going strong. In some of the more recent episodes there has been more attention paid to the relationship between Takanashi and Inami - in particular the lolicon's jealousy toward any other guy that gets near Inami. While I fear that it could end up taking centre stage, at the moment it's providing a decent amount of entertainment. In particular, the latest episode with Takanashi going a bit loopy had me giggling quite a lot. Certainly this season seems funnier than the last, and I look forward to watching each week for my next dose of light-hearted fun. I also love the ending theme, it's one of the very, VERY few songs that I actually sit through every week and enjoy.
Overall Conclusion: Damn funny and enjoyable, though I hope they don't go too overboard on the Takanashi/Inami thing.
Current Rating: 4.5/5
Number of Episodes Subbed: 7
Total Episodes Planned: 25
Impressions: After the initial re-introduction episodes, Bakuman is back in full swing and it's really getting to the good stuff. The honeymoon is well and truly over for Takagi and Mashiro as they struggle with adjusting to their new editor and keeping Detective Trap steady in the rankings, but then, it all begins to come crashing down as they face another serious setback. Meanwhile, though Ashirogi Mutou continue to form the show's centre-post, we're getting to see more of the other mangaka and finally we're introduced to the eccentric Hiramaru. His complete lack of motivation or work ethic makes for a glorious juxtaposition with the other mangaka - plus the relationship with his editor is hilarity in a bucket. The expansion beyond the two central characters does wonders for the show and makes for a much more meaty plot. Though rivals, each of the different mangaka have a solid foundation of friendship, which causes them to rally around and support each other. I love the dynamic that this group (also known as Team Fukuda) has, because while you ultimately want Mashiro and Takagi to kick everyone's arses in the rankings, seeing them ally against a common enemy is exactly what shounen is all about, and considering how episode seven left off, I cannot wait for more.
Overall Conclusion: Still my favourite anime of the season by a decent margin. I simply can't get enough of Ashirogi Mutou.
Current Rating: 5/5
 |
| Keep up the good work, boys! |
Ben-To:
Number of Episodes Subbed: 6
Total Episodes Planned: 12
Impressions: This series if dumb with a capital "durrrrr". To be perfectly frank, I spend most of my time wondering why the hell I'm watching this, as outside of the supermarket scenes it's somewhat dull, and it's beginning to get to the point where I'm having to really motivate myself to watch the next episode. For a while there was more of a plotline introduced, and the rival gangs on the hunt for lunch and glory was making things more interesting. However, that particular arc has been wrapped up in the latest episode, so I'm intrigued as to where it will go from here. The true glory of this show still remains in its ludicrous premise. That the entire thing is based around trying to get a half priced bento lunchbox and just how brutal the fighting gets because of it just never seems to get old. If it weren't for the supermarket scenes, I think this would have joined the dropped pile several episodes ago. Also, Satou dressed in a sailor outfit and animal hat wandering into the convenience store = funniest scene yet!
Overall Conclusion: I'm only watching this for the supermarket fights, but the sheer idiocy behind the premise has yet to get old and I'm still finding the seriousness of these battles hilarious.
Current Rating: 3/5
 |
| Eyes off the fried chicken box; that's mine, bitch! |
Chibi Devi!
Number of Episodes Subbed: 5
Total Episodes Planned: Currently Unknown
Impressions: With only five 5-minute episodes, there's not too much to go on really. The plot has taken a definite diversion from what I was expecting, since crybaby Honoka has already decided to give up on looking after the kid and is trying to get replacement parents. Of course, whether that actually happens remains to be seen. The anime is continuing along as it did at the beginning and Mao is still very much on the "DAWWWWW!" side. Honoka, however, I keep wanting to punch. That girl is a pitiful, whining, crying mess and an idiot to boot (seriously, you drop your kid off at a demon baby nursery and are then surprised to learn that there are other demon babies out there... really? REALLY?). When you look at how she behaves, it's no wonder the dozy bint has no friends at school. Luckily, I don't think we're supposed to massively sympathise with her - at least not judging by a comment I saw in the manga where Mao's parents were unsure whether to leave their child with somone who has such "personality problems".
Overall Conclusion: Still cute, but Honoka needs a slap.
Current Rating: 3/5
 |
| Oh my God, will you stop bloody crying already! |
Chihayafuru
Number of Episodes Subbed: 7
Total Episodes Planned: Currently Uknown
Impressions: This series took a little warming up for me, but after watching episode four, I fell in love with it. I think what I love most about this is how they've made the competitive aspect so engaging. In theory, watching people play a card game (and a card game based on ancient poetry at that) should be mind-numbingly dull. However, the vivacity and passion with which Chihaya plays makes for compelling viewing. Additionally, that the beautiful teen is up against the odds when it comes to attracting new club members endears her plight, because hey, who doesn't love an underdog. Fundementally though, I think what appeals most to me is that it's essentially shounen for women. The manga is published in a josei magazine and is specifically targetted at women, yet it bears all the hallmarks of a good shounen: a determined protagonist with a clear dream (I'm gonna be the
Overall Conclusion: This has rapidly become my favourite new series of the season. Can't wait for the next episode.
Current Rating: 4.5/5
 |
| We want YOU in our karuta club! |
Hidamari Sketch x SP (Complete)
Number of Episodes: 2
Impressions: Before I start, I wholeheartedly admit that I'm a Hidamari fangirl. I've loved it ever since I saw the first series several years ago, so every time I get a new fix of Yuno and the others, I get a nice dopey grin on my face. This autumn's two-episode offering places focus more on the girls' antics outside of school, so get ready for trips to the pool and an art museum. Out of the four skits, my favourite was undoubtedly the excusrion to eat barbecue with their landlady - the highlight of which was the scene in which they played Russian Roulette with wasabi-laced sushi. While enjoyable, x SP didn't quite seem to live up to its predecessors. It was good, but not exceptionally brilliant. For me, I think this is partly down to the fact that Nazuna and Nori have yet to fully ingratiate themselves to me - in particular, Nazuna seems kind of meh as a character and brings bugger all to the table. Nori at least has the whole technology aspect going for her (though this makes zero appearance here), Nazuna meanwhile just seems to get left out for not being the arty one and barely makes her presence known. However, despite not having endless love for this particular special, I still liked it and I'm still looking forward to the next series.
Overall Conclusion: Solid Hidamari goodness, but not its strongest offering.
Rating: 4/5
 |
| Sae hugging a pillow. Just... because. |
Kimi to Boku
Number of Episodes Subbed: 7
Total Episodes Planned: 13
Impressions: While it may have been relegated to my second favourite new series of the season, I continue to loving Kimi to Boku and still I believe it to have one of the most interesting group dynamics I've seen for a while. While initially I wasn't keen on the newest addition to the group - blonde-haired Chizuru - I've actually found that his presence is kind of awesome. The lively teen adds some much needed vivacity to the gang as it not only forces them into action, but it also highlights both Yuuki and Yuuta's deadpan personalities, as well as Kaname's serious and adult nature, which ultimately adds to the humour. I now have an odd sort of relationship with this show, as I don't tend to race to watch it the second it's finished downloading (as I tend to do with Bakuman, Ika Musume, Working'!! and to a certain extent Chihayafuru) but I still thoroughly enjoy it when I do sit down to watch.
Overall Conclusion: Best cast dynamic of the season, funny, charming and entertaining to watch.
Current Rating: 4 - 4.5/5
 |
| EEEEEEEAAAAAAAGLLLLLLLLLE! |
Morita-san wa Mukuchi 2
Number of Episodes Subbed: 7
Total Episodes Planned: Currently Unknown
Impressions: My thoughts on this have yet to change drastically. Most of the time I sit through the three minutes and don't raise a smile. But, while I don't find it hugely funny, it is easy watching. I must admit that I did enjoy this latest episode with the trainee teacher, mainly because it shook things up a bit instead of focusing on Mayu and her dead, soulless eyes (seriously, they have NO LIFE in them whatsoever; they creep me the hell out).
Overall Conclusion: Not quite drop-worthy, but still only alright.
Current Rating: 2/5
 |
| Even this sweet potato isn't enough to bring a sparkle to my eyes. |
Shinryaku!? Ika Musume
Number of Episodes Subbed: 6
Total Episodes Planned: 12
Impressions: Ika-chan is as entertaining as ever and I really do adore the three setches per episode format as in a way it feels like you get triple the amount of laughs. I did particularly like the skit with Ika Musume and the remote-controlled car. Seeing her act as a R/C and bashing herself into the wall had me rolling on the floor. Also, Mini Squiddie made a welcome return in the latest episode. I think the Mini Ika-chan sections are some of my favourite as she's just so utterly adorable that I kind of wish I had my own little squidvader. This is definitely one of my most anticipated each week.
Overall Conclusion: Still great fun, though I wish they'd stop occasionally skipping weeks, I like my weekly dose of squiddy goodness.
Current Rating: 4.5/5
 |
| Oi, oi... Why didn't you give me 5/5? |
Tamayura ~hitotose~
Number of Episodes Subbed: 7
Total Episodes Planned: 13
Impressions: Tamayura is continuing to amble along at a steady pace. The melancholy vibe form some of the earlier episodes has now ebbed away a little as the show is branching out to look at some of the other characters and there's less mention of the deceased father (well apart from the latest episode). Now, the series has more of an aura of adorability to it, and it's certainly easy to watch - though I still wouldn't watch it while tired as I get the feeling that it's calming influence and slow pace would send me to sleep within minutes.The biggest let down of the whole anime is the visual aspect, I have a 1028p version and it still looks like it was made a good five to ten years ago - simply put, the animation is not of 2011 standards, which is a shame because the static backgrounds and skies are beautifully drawn.
Overall Conclusion: A sweet and harmless series, but it's still not managing to completely win me over.
Current Rating: 3/5
 |
| Say Cheese! |
Un-Go
Number of Episodes Subbed: 6
Total Episodes Planned: 11
Impressions: I often tend to find that I'm inexplicably drawn to most of the anime from the noitaminA timeslot, so it's of no surprise that I've picked up another one and have added Un-Go to my fall list. Having only decided to pick this up last week, I've worked my way through the episodes at a reasonable pace, and so far I'm rather impressed. It's not a series that has me immediately hooked and begging for more, but it is enjoyable. I enjoy the detective genre at the best of times (I blame Conan for this), but what I like the most about Un-Go is that it deviates from the traditional idea that the genius detective sweeps in and saves the day. Yes, the genius detective does sweep in and solve the case, however, that his deductions are frequently hushed up and replaced by fabricated conclusions to best protect those with power means that he gets none of the glory and a completely contrasting nickname of the "Defeated Detective". I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what comes next, especially considering how the latest episode ended.
Overall Conclusion: One of the more intriguing series of the season so far and I'm interested to see what comes next.
Current Rating: 4/5
 |
| Oh noes! There's been a murder! |
Working'!!
Number of Episodes Subbed: 7
Total Episodes Planned: 13
Impressions: Just over the halfway mark with this series now, and it's still going strong. In some of the more recent episodes there has been more attention paid to the relationship between Takanashi and Inami - in particular the lolicon's jealousy toward any other guy that gets near Inami. While I fear that it could end up taking centre stage, at the moment it's providing a decent amount of entertainment. In particular, the latest episode with Takanashi going a bit loopy had me giggling quite a lot. Certainly this season seems funnier than the last, and I look forward to watching each week for my next dose of light-hearted fun. I also love the ending theme, it's one of the very, VERY few songs that I actually sit through every week and enjoy.
Overall Conclusion: Damn funny and enjoyable, though I hope they don't go too overboard on the Takanashi/Inami thing.
Current Rating: 4.5/5
 |
| Bad dogs must be punished! |
Tuesday, 8 November 2011
4-Koma Manga: The Holy Grail of Anime Adaptations
While thinking back on my post about why sequels suck I found myself focusing on how in general 4-koma adaptations tend to avoid the sucky second season trap. This got me thinking about the various anime versions of four panel manga that I've seen and why I've consistently enjoyed each and every one of them.
The primary reason as to why 4-Koma translates successfully to anime lies in one simple fact: generally there's not much of a story. Now before I start getting irate fans banging down my door trying to explain the infinite complexities of K-On!'s narrative to me, hear me out. By it's sheer nature, four panel manga is set up as a series of short gags, with some kind of punchline each time. That isn't to say that there's no story as nine times out of ten there is an overarching narrative, but it's certainly not the correct format to use for any kind of plot-driven manga, be it serious or comic.
One of the problems with anime adaptations is attempting to comprehensively translate a solid story into an entirely different medium without losing the essence of the source material. Many time this involves cutting out odd details, expanding upon others, or even changing certain parts entirely, and in doing this opens up the anime to criticism from existing fans of the manga. For instance, when it comes to shounen, many of the battles which are punchy and dynamic in the manga lose some of their fizz in an adaptation when they become dragged out. A prime example of this is the battle in Naruto between Orochimaru and the Third Hokage, the manga's pacing works well, but in the anime, it seems like Hiruzen and the snake-tongued maniac spend endless episodes standing still causing the viewer to become frustrated and yell "JUST PULL IT OUT ALREADY!" at the screen.
With a sketch-like nature, this is something that 4-koma doesn't suffer from. While an anime will expand each scene, it manages to keep up a similar pace to the manga allowing the jokes to work just as well as they did in the original. A prime example of this is Azumanga Daioh. To date this remains one of of the funniest series I've seen because it keeps a steady pace, keeps the jokes coming thick and fast, and doesn't become too frenetic.
Another thing that 4-koma adaptations never suffer from is filler. while they undoubtedly contain plenty of padding, it doesn't tend to disrupt the show's momentum. With many adaptations, there's a distinct drop in quality when it comes to filler arcs, for example, compare the piss poor Lurichiyo arc in Bleach with the awesome Hueco Mundo battles, or the short but somewhat dull Rainbow Mist arc and the equally short but far more entertaining Buggy arc from One Piece. Filler in plot-driven shows tends to be more obvious, but because four panel manga generally tend to play out more like a series of slice-of-life skits, additional content tends to be of a similar level. I rememeber reading Hidamari Sketch and being surprised that some of the scenes I'd seen and loved in the anime weren't actually in the manga.
I also wonder if sometimes there's less attachment to having the story in a four-panel adaptation be 100% accurate to the source material as there is with narrative-focused manga. Rarely - if ever - do I see people moaning "but it's not like that in the manga!" about a 4-koma adaptation. People become attached to a story, and if an adaptation alters that, cuts bits out, or doesn't do it justice, there's more room for fan fury - and this is true for all literary to video media adaptations (I remember getting seriously pissed at the omission of Voldemort's family history in the movie of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince). However, four panel manga is more about the individual scene and character dynamic than the story as a whole, so I personally believe that if the way the protagonists interact with each other and the style of humour remains the same, it's easier to please - or at least placate - the fans.
Certainly from my point of view, the most successful manga to anime adaptations are those that are from 4-koma (or those that seem like they should be four-panel, but arent - Nichijou, Chi's Sweet Home, Shinryaku! Ika Musume). In not being restricted by a distinct and well-loved plot, these series have more freedom and more opportunity for creativity. They're easy-watching, damn good fun, more often than not leave you wanting more, and offer up that age old rarity: a decent sequel.
The primary reason as to why 4-Koma translates successfully to anime lies in one simple fact: generally there's not much of a story. Now before I start getting irate fans banging down my door trying to explain the infinite complexities of K-On!'s narrative to me, hear me out. By it's sheer nature, four panel manga is set up as a series of short gags, with some kind of punchline each time. That isn't to say that there's no story as nine times out of ten there is an overarching narrative, but it's certainly not the correct format to use for any kind of plot-driven manga, be it serious or comic.
One of the problems with anime adaptations is attempting to comprehensively translate a solid story into an entirely different medium without losing the essence of the source material. Many time this involves cutting out odd details, expanding upon others, or even changing certain parts entirely, and in doing this opens up the anime to criticism from existing fans of the manga. For instance, when it comes to shounen, many of the battles which are punchy and dynamic in the manga lose some of their fizz in an adaptation when they become dragged out. A prime example of this is the battle in Naruto between Orochimaru and the Third Hokage, the manga's pacing works well, but in the anime, it seems like Hiruzen and the snake-tongued maniac spend endless episodes standing still causing the viewer to become frustrated and yell "JUST PULL IT OUT ALREADY!" at the screen.
With a sketch-like nature, this is something that 4-koma doesn't suffer from. While an anime will expand each scene, it manages to keep up a similar pace to the manga allowing the jokes to work just as well as they did in the original. A prime example of this is Azumanga Daioh. To date this remains one of of the funniest series I've seen because it keeps a steady pace, keeps the jokes coming thick and fast, and doesn't become too frenetic.
Another thing that 4-koma adaptations never suffer from is filler. while they undoubtedly contain plenty of padding, it doesn't tend to disrupt the show's momentum. With many adaptations, there's a distinct drop in quality when it comes to filler arcs, for example, compare the piss poor Lurichiyo arc in Bleach with the awesome Hueco Mundo battles, or the short but somewhat dull Rainbow Mist arc and the equally short but far more entertaining Buggy arc from One Piece. Filler in plot-driven shows tends to be more obvious, but because four panel manga generally tend to play out more like a series of slice-of-life skits, additional content tends to be of a similar level. I rememeber reading Hidamari Sketch and being surprised that some of the scenes I'd seen and loved in the anime weren't actually in the manga.
I also wonder if sometimes there's less attachment to having the story in a four-panel adaptation be 100% accurate to the source material as there is with narrative-focused manga. Rarely - if ever - do I see people moaning "but it's not like that in the manga!" about a 4-koma adaptation. People become attached to a story, and if an adaptation alters that, cuts bits out, or doesn't do it justice, there's more room for fan fury - and this is true for all literary to video media adaptations (I remember getting seriously pissed at the omission of Voldemort's family history in the movie of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince). However, four panel manga is more about the individual scene and character dynamic than the story as a whole, so I personally believe that if the way the protagonists interact with each other and the style of humour remains the same, it's easier to please - or at least placate - the fans.
Certainly from my point of view, the most successful manga to anime adaptations are those that are from 4-koma (or those that seem like they should be four-panel, but arent - Nichijou, Chi's Sweet Home, Shinryaku! Ika Musume). In not being restricted by a distinct and well-loved plot, these series have more freedom and more opportunity for creativity. They're easy-watching, damn good fun, more often than not leave you wanting more, and offer up that age old rarity: a decent sequel.
Thursday, 3 November 2011
New Anime Review: Hanasaku Iroha
New Anime-Planet review for one of my favourite series of the year so far.
Hanasaku Iroha Review by cassiesheepgirl | Anime-Planet
Hanasaku Iroha Review by cassiesheepgirl | Anime-Planet
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