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.

Bakuman 2

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 pirate 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

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!

Fall 2011: First Impressions

Warning: As I've picked up nine series this season, this post will be looooong!

We're now a couple of weeks into the new season of anime, and over the last couple of days, I've been having a mass watching session of the shows I've decided to pick up this time around. With this fall having been labelled the season of sequels, I've found myself highly anticipating the majority of the second series that I'm watching. While I have no intention of doing an episode-by episode report/analysis on each show, I thought it might be quite interesting to do a couple of updates on the anime I'll be watching to see how my opinion alters throughout

Bakuman 2

Number of Episodes Subbed: 2

Total Episodes Planned: 25

First Impressions: I absolutely love Bakuman, and after finishing the first series I marathoned the manga in a weekend to get up to date. So despite being way ahead plot-wise, this was still my most anticipated show of the season. Following on from where the previous series left off, Mashiro and Takagi are exicted about their manga, Detective Trap, finally getting serialised in Shounen Jack. However, with a change in editors, they are no longer working with Hattori, but instead have a rather enthusiastic, albeit inexperienced, young editor named Miura.

The first two episodes of this series seem to start out fairly slowly to be honest. Essentially, this is the re-introduction and these two episodes serve to ease you back into the world of Bakuman and its authors. It takes the manga side of things slowly, with little more happening that discussing their new contract, getting assistants, and attending the Shounen Jack new year's party, but also manages to re-ignite the romantic aspect of things with Miho having a mini-crisis. However, episode two ends on a small cliffhanger with a call coming through from their new editor to reveal the early results of where Detective Trap's debut chapter has placed in the reader survey, which is an indication of the return to the more competitive aspect of the series. I can't say that these initial episodes are gripping or jaw-droppingly awesome, but I'm not too concerned as I know where the plot will be going and that there is more to come. I'm certainly looking forward to seeing more of the other mangaka, since the serialisation of Detective Trap, for me, marks the beginning of Bakuman becoming more of an ensemble piece.

Overall Conclusion: Highly enjoyable re-introduction to the series, but the best is yet to come.

Current Rating: 4.5/5 

Ben-To

Number of Episodes Subbed: 1

Total Episodes Planned: 12

First Impressions: Occasionally, I pick up series purely because they sound utterly ridiculous. This season, that particular pick is Ben-To. When I read that this series is basically a battle manga based around bento lunches it sounded so crap that I decided this was one series I couldn't miss.

Having now watched the opening episode, I can safely say that it doesn't look to be a great show, by any stretch of the imagination. However, the premise of it is so freaking dumb that certain scenes had me in absolute stitches. Never before have I seen a series that makes a shop clerk placing a half price sticker on a lunchbox into such an epic and almost sinister act, and I probably never will again. It isn't rip-roaringly funny from start to finish, in fact outside of the supermarket, so far everything else has been kind of generically naff. That being said, I'll likely see this one through to the end, just to see how much more ridiculous it gets. And if the idiocy doesn't keep me giggling, then it'll simply become that crap series I force myself to finish just to make me more thankful for the good stuff.

Overall Conclusion: Generally kinda dumb and a bit on the crap side, but the "serious humour" makes me want to keep watching.

Current Rating: 3/5 

Chibi Devi!

Number of Episodes Subbed:1

Expected Total Episodes: Currently Unknown

First Impressions: To be perfectly honest, I had no idea this series existed until a friend pointed out to me that it wasn't on Anime-Planet, and I'm glad he did, because it's adorable. Essentially, it's the shoujo equivalent of Beelzebub with all the cute baby demon-ness but none of the delinquents and fights.

How much mileage this series will have currently remains to be seen. At the moment it's all fun and cute, but it does run the risk of becoming rather repetitive. Also, while Honoka is a bit of a sad case (no family or friends) I don't find her hugely endearing at the moment since she has a tendency to just give in to bullies and cry. So, again I think how she tackles the whole parenting thing could determine how well this series continues to fare.

Overall Conclusion: Adorable. Utterly adorable. Definitely looking forward to the next episode.

Current Rating: 3.5/5 

Chihayafuru

Number of Episodes Subbed: 2

Expected Total Episodes: Currently Unknown

First Impressions: I must admit, I have limited experience with anime about games, though interestingly I have the likes of Saki, Akagi and Hikaru no Go high on my want to watch list. So this season, I thought I'd try something different after hearing good things about the first couple of episodes of Chihayafuru.

I must say that so far I'm relatively impressed with it. Seems to have a decent mix of comedy, drama and competition that makes the twenty-four minutes pass fairly quickly. At the moment, however, the story has started out in flashback mode, explaining how Chihaya came to be passionate about karuta. Certainly, this is interesting enough and plays a crucial part in setting the scene, but I'm definitely looking forward to getting to the main part of the tale, which is set when she's in high school. Likewise, that the anime is about a different game to the usual, definitely sets this series apart from the crowd. I'm not quite in love with the show yet, and I'm not at that level where I'm eagerly anticipating the next episode, but I'm definitely interested in where the story goes from here.

Overall Conclusion: It's not blowing me away at the moment, but certainly interesting enough. Looking forward to getting to the high school section.

Current Rating: 3.5/5 

Kimi to Boku

Number of Episodes Subbed: 2

Total Episodes Planned: 13

First Impressions:I knew little about this series when I started it; about all I'd heard was that it was school-based slice of life with boys instead of girls - which was more than enough to get me watching! Undoubtedly, this has had the biggest impression on me out of the brand new series this season and within a few minutes I already loved it. It's pure comedy slice of life, so in that sense not much happens. Luckily, that the show focuses on male characters for a change and often depicts memories from when they were in kindergarten gives Kimi to Boku the hooks it needs to set it apart from the crowd - well that and the random shots of cats... I still don't get them.

What I love most about this show is the dynamic between the four boys. Despite having been friends since they were tiny, they aren't overly buddy-buddy. The indifferent twins don't talk that much and tend to enjoy irritating/teasing Kaname, who in turn plays the perfect tsukommi to Yuuki and Yuuta's boke. Meanwhile, keeping the peace is Shun, who serves as resident peacemaker. While his defining trait is that he's nice, he does seem like he could become a bit on the dull side, but the contrast between him and the other three makes for some entertaining exchanges.

Overall Conclusion: Definitely my favourite of the non-sequel shows this season. can't wait for the next episode.

Current Rating: 4.5/5

Morita-san wa Mukuchi 2

Number of Episodes Subbed: 2

Total Episodes Planned: Currently Unknown

First Impressions: Series one of Morita-san, never managed to capture my imagination. But it was easy-watching and vaguely amusing at times so I stuck with it. So far this second season is more of the same. Mayu remains as silent and over-analytical as ever to the point where I want to poke her in her cold and soulless eyes, and her best friend, Miki, continues to bug the hell out of me. I also still fail to find the show that funny. I'll admit that I do find myself grinning at times, but mostly, I'm sat with a stoic face hoping for some kind of amusing punchline. If anyone enjoyed the first season, then they'll likely find this one entertaining as well. For me, however, I'm still waiting for something to click, and at the moment I doubt that'll happen.

Overall Conclusion: I'm still not at all enamoured with this series, but at only 3 minutes in length, I don't mind continuing to watch.

Current Rating: 2/5 

Shinryaku!? Ika Musume

Number of Episodes Subbed: 3

Total Episodes Planned: 12

First Impressions: I thoroughly enjoyed Shinryaku Ika Musume!'s first season so along with Bakuman 2, Working'!!, and the newest (and currently unaired) Lupin III series, I've been highly anticipating the sequel. So far, this series is giving us more of the squidtastic escapades from its predecessor and is of just as high a standard.

What I love about this franchise is that it's easy to watch, time flies by each episode and it's funny as hell. Undoubtedly, out of all the fall series, this is the one I've laughed at most, in particular, there's one part where Ika-chan joins a group of kids in their radio exercises which had me in absolute stitches - the comic timing was utterly perfect. I've definitely missed Ika-chan's antics and the first three episodes have already had some gems - Ika's interaction with Sanae's dog Alex, the jellyfish catching competition, and the revelation about the function of Squiddie's bracelets to name but a few. Now I'm just bummed that I have to wait another week for the next episode!

Overall Conclusion: Fun, hilarious, and definitely on a par with series one. Bring on the next episode de geso!

Current Rating: 4.5/5

 
Tamayura ~hitotose~

Number of Episodes Subbed: 2

Total Episodes Planned: 13

First Impressions: I watched the OVA a while back and found myself clock-watching for a lot of it. Not so much because I was bored but it felt like it was lasting for quite some time. Nonetheless it was a nice little OVA so I was happily prepared to pick up the TV series.

With only one episode out that consists mainly of backstory, it's difficult to sum up my impressions of the series since it hasn't really gotten going yet. That being said, having seen the OVA it's interesting to see how Fuu got back into photography after her father's death and her life before moving to her new town. There's no denying that it's incredibly slow, which unfortunately makes it feel like it lasts twice as long as it actually does. Likewise Tamayura ~hitotose~ doesn't really strike you as a feel-good show, in fact with the overtheme of her father's death, there's almost a melancholia about it. I'm certainly intrigued to see where the show is going, but for now, I can't see this becoming one of my favourite series or necessarily one that I'd highly recommend to anyone.

Overall Conclusion: A sweet series but almost too slow at times. I can see this being one of those middle-of-the-road "OK" series.

Current Rating: 3/5 

Working'!!

Number of Episodes Subbed: 2

Total Episodes Planned: 13

First Impressions: I enjoyed the last season of Working!! immensely - despite the rather repetitive Inami-heavy direction it eventually took. It was a show that was easy to watch, didn't require much thinking, and made me laugh - a pretty damn good combination. Having watched the opening two episodes of this second season, I can safely say that you get more of the same.

After sitting and laughing my way through episodes one and two, I had that lovely realisation that I've missed this show and had semi forgotten how funny I find it. Also, much to my utter bemusement, Yamada isn't annoying me as much as she used to. I'm interested to see where this series goes, especially since the last one let itself down with the huge focus on Inami, which made the constant man-hating and subsequent punching less hilarious and more tiresome. I'd like to see it strike a good balance with the entire cast and keep the humour up, but that will remain to be seen.

Overall Conclusion: Thoroughly enjoyable and amusing, though not sure if it will last.

Current Rating: 4/5