Anime On Trial

[Reply #200 on:]

[Ignorant White Anime fan]Sounds like a tentacle movie...[/IWAF]

[Reply #201 on:]

I liked DOD but I prefer Tenchi Forever as a movie.

The problem with DOD is just a continuity one. Since it deos not fall into any of the true Tenchi coninity's but rather follows Naoko Hasegawa's (i think)version of the story, which deviates from the OVA after episode 6 (being that she only worked on those episodes). Mind you she did introduce some important characters that were later used by Kajishima (The King of Jurai and his wives) and most improtantly introduced the delightfull Kiyone Makabi.

I really some one to translate her novels so i can get a better grasp of DOD (that or learn Japanese, which unfortuantly is taking a long time since I'm teaching myself).

Anyway. I said i would review RahXephon and I will it is just that I am right at the end fo GTO. So I'll finish that and review them both.

[Reply #202 on:]

 

Originally posted by David A Hello Baby!" has some of the funniest scenes which were cut from the Toonami version.

I thought that the episode was a bit dis-jointed.

[Reply #203 on:]

 

Originally posted by wu_konguk:
The problem with DOD is just a continuity one.

The first time I watched it I had problems trying to figure out which continuity it fit into.  It's probably best not to worry about it; just like I don't worry about the fact that the OAVs, "Tenchi Universe", and "Tenchi in Tokyo" are all seperate continuities.

 

Originally posted by Coilette:
I thought that the episode was a bit dis-jointed.

Yeah, it's worth watching the DVDs just to see that episode uncut.  I don't want to spoil it for you, though.

[Reply #204 on:]

Well leave me on tender hooks then. In reference to DOD I always thought it was in the OAV story line. Seeing as Tenchi was able to summon the lighthawk wings. Then again Kiyone lived in the house....

[Reply #205 on:]

Also: The Night Before The Carnival dubbed makes no sense.

[Reply #206 on:]

Well time for those reviews I guess.

RahXephon


When I first saw the mech designs for this show, I will admit I thought it looked like another Evangelion wanna be. Unfortunantly this stuck in my mind through out the series. Although it is different, I felt there were quite alot of similarites that made it abit suspect. Well I'll just get on with the review, I just thought I would mention this early on.

Ok the basic plot. The year is 2012 and Tokyo is being attacked by the mysterous organisation known a Mu. Mu attacks the city with giant mech like creatures. At the time Ayato Kamino is just an ordinary student but soon after the attacks he finds himself a strange winged robot called RahXephon. Ayato is able to syncronise with RahXephon and with the organisation TERRA begins to fight Mu.

Right this anime has some amazingly beautiful animation and set pieces. Also since music is key to some of the themes of the the show, it is also well executed.

Now I did feel the plot was good. I thoguht the idea of the mechs using sound as their weapons was good. There is also alot of twists and turns in the plot. Sometimes you're not sure who is on who's side. I must admit the ending was alittle odd but I assume it will be explained in the movie.

Like I said at the beggining, this is very similar to NGE. However this is a little less insane and the main character seems to be a little better adjusted. I will not list the similarites since it would ruin the plot.

Despite the similarity it is a good anime in it's own right, just not as good s NGE. If you like NGE you'll like this.

b+

GTO: Great Teacher Onizuka



Straight in this time. Esiki Onizuka age 22 wishes to become the greatest teacher in the whole of Japan. The ex motorcycle gang leader may not be the most intelligent teacher but his unconventional ways may be exactly what the a class of deliquents needs.

Now admitedly I was very sceptical about liking this. During the the first 10 mins of the first episode I was worried. It looked like it was going to be one of those tough boy animes (if you have seen the baseabll episode of Excel saga then you'll know what i mean). However the humour got to me and I began to like it.

One of the things that I really liked was how it showed how severe bullying can get in schools. It seems to be abit exaggerated but in truth i was never the subject to severe bullying so I don't know. Onizuka's methods for resolving the bullying are definitly unconventional but for the sake of the show they work.

Now generally I would not like a character like Onizuka but the failings the give him make him more likable. He is very much a dimond in the rough character but compared to other characters like this he comes off well for it.

Now the plot is kinda miandering. With most episodes showing why one group has a problem with teahcers and Onizuka eventually winning them over, with the threat of being fired but the vice Principle alwys hanging over his head.

One thing that caught my eye was the blatent product placement by Sony. I know they produced the show but not everyone owns a Sony computer, Laptop, discman, walkman ect. A little thing that niggles me really.

Now the animation is umm well stylelised. The characters are have an overall more real look to them compared to most anime. However this does nto stop them falling into the stock anime effets (strange faces act) just more in the style of the show.

All in all quite a good show and well worth watching the whole lot (43 episodes)

A-

[Reply #207 on:]

 

Originally posted by Coilette:
In reference to DOD I always thought it was in the OAV story line. Seeing as Tenchi was able to summon the lighthawk wings. Then again Kiyone lived in the house....

Yeah, it's basically the OAV continuity with Kiyone added.

 

Originally posted by Nurdy:
Also: The Night Before The Carnival dubbed makes no sense.

You mean it makes no sense edited for television.  There's nothing wrong with the uncut dub.

[Reply #208 on:]

The one that annoys me abit is from "Mishoshi falls from the land to the stars". Basically the whole bathing suit rubbish. I mean this time they even changed what they said.

"Come on you where going to show him your bathing suit eventually"

arrrgggh

(you know with all this Tenchi talk maybe i should find that old Tenchi thread)

[Reply #209 on:]

I do have a question, on the internet I saw some pictures of Noboyuki with a knapkin on his head, what's all that about?

[Reply #210 on:]

If you mean this


Oh yes that was cut as well.

Hmm well in the episode where they are at the hot springs. Noboyuki tells Tenchi that there are beautiful women in the lady's bath and it would be rude not to peep. The Hankerchief on his head is the typical atire of a peeping tom.

Ryoko also uses this in the episode 2The night before the carnival"

[Reply #211 on:]

 

Originally posted by wu_konguk:
The one that annoys me abit is from "Mishoshi falls from the land to the stars".

It's "Mihoshi Falls to the Land of Stars".  I know that the title doesn't really make sense in English, but it's a play on words in Japanese.

 

Basically the whole bathing suit rubbish. I mean this time they even changed what they said.

"Come on you where going to show him your bathing suit eventually"

arrrgggh

Maybe Ryoko got "bathing suit" mixed up with "birthday suit".   

 

(you know with all this Tenchi talk maybe i should find that old Tenchi thread)

It's right here if you want it.

 

The Hankerchief on his head is the typical atire of a peeping tom.

I think that it's supposed to look like a ninja mask.

[Reply #212 on:]

maybe it is meant to look like a ninja but Nobuyuki does say it is the typical attire for the peeping tom. Also it has been used in other aniem when the characters are peeping.

[Reply #213 on:]

Yes, I know.  But I think that it's the typical attire for the peeping tom because it looks like a ninja mask.

You know, ninja, sneaking around unseen, spying.  It makes sense.

[Reply #214 on:]

Perhaps. In fact yes yes it does. The knot under the nose probably has something to do with teh bleeding nose that anime characters get when seeing something arousing.

[Reply #215 on:]

Heh, Nobuyuki is an old favourite. A underdog not used much in fanfiction.

[Reply #216 on:]

I really need to watch Dual! again.

[Reply #217 on:]

I just watched the series for the second time.

If you have not seen the final episode of Excel Saga, you have NOT seen Excel Saga.

[Reply #218 on:]

Is that the Episode where Excel changes totally? I have most of it downloaded. Also: What does ACROSS mean? and why is it pronounced with a M?

[Reply #219 on:]

Undubbed subtitled Trigun: Best. Anime. Ever.

[Reply #220 on:]

I watched the latest episode of Witch Hunter Robin last night.

Have I mentioned that I really like Dojima?  Well, I do.  The scene where she was riding Robin's Vespa was priceless.  There's more to her than just comic relief, though.

[Reply #221 on:]

Well after waiting for ages the final DVD of Excel Saga has been released in England. So I can now finally I can review the series.

Excel Saga



Well to give this anime it’s full title “Quack experimental anime Excel Saga”, which sums up the series pretty damn well. This series is totally insane. To describe it would be very difficult, every episode they use a different style of anime for it’s basis. In other words each episode has a different anime theme running through it from romantic comedy to epic space drama no anime is safe. There is a plot that runs through the series. A secret organisation Across attempt to take of the city of F in the Prefecture of F. Across consists of Lord Illapaltzo, Agent Hyatt, emergency food supply Menchi the dog and the star toilet cleaner Excel Excel.

The animation is crisp but often delves into the bizarre. The music is not much too speak of. One thing is the reuse of animation, for a short series it has a lot of clips shows, flashbacks and recaps. Despite this the pace does not really suffer.

The overall plot only runs for 25 episodes. The 26th episode was the writers attempt to push the boundaries of the censorship laws in Japan, I do not know if it was aired but it very bizarre. Now there are many sub plots that come together in the end. The department of public security is a sort of counter Across group who introduces the delightful Robonmatsu. The Pedro story line follows the wandering spirit of Pedro who Excel inadvertently killed in the first episode. The Earth is also being threatened by invasion by the deadly and cute Puuchuu’s. Also there is the ever intrusive director Nabeshin who sometimes just turns up.

This is totally insane and totally wonderful, although I would not recommend it as an anime to start on due to the huge amount of references to other anime’s. In fact the best thing for this is to get the DVD’s, which have a pop up style motif for telling you what references it is making.

A great anime for anime fans.  A

[Reply #222 on:]

You forgot: Today's Experiment: .....SUCESS.

Did you know: Excel's Original dubbed Voice had to quit after 11 AVI's, because Excel's high pitched scratchy random voice was giving her throat problems.

You can get 26 dubbed and AVI on Soulseek, I have both of them. And they rock. Like Pitt says you have not lived untill you've seen 26.

And I must say, Trigun ROCKS. Sorry Spike, but Vash is a lot more likeable.

[Reply #223 on:]

And the manga is so much better. I can't wait for Trigun Maximum to come out.

[Reply #224 on:]

OK, I think ADV butcherd Excel, personally.  I thought they had leared after Nadesico that High-pitched annoying voice DOES NOT Equal funny.  If they had had Covello stick with something that was just Hyper and Cute at the same time, she probably could have stuck all 26 episodes.  I'll take my Excel in Japanese, please.

For further demonstration of high-pitch hyperactive anime girls, see "Child's Toy."

(AKA Kodomo no Omocha, Kodocha)

Also, If you like the idea of Robo-nmatsu 2 getting it on with Excel, check animemusicvideos.org for an excel video done to the everclear song "Amphetamine"[sp?]

[Reply #225 on:]

Pitt's right, Excel is a lot better in Japanese. I compared the whackier-than-normal intro in episode 26 with the dub and the avi. It's quite wooden, even if Pedro's family have the accents for there parts they're horrible singers. Oh and:

[Nabeshin]....Explosives fix everything![/Nabeshin]

[Reply #226 on:]

 

Originally posted by David A:
I watched the latest episode of Witch Hunter Robin last night.

Have I mentioned that I really like Dojima?  Well, I do.  The scene where she was riding Robin's Vespa was priceless.  There's more to her than just comic relief, though.

Don't ruin it for me! Just because I want to wait until it shows on CN!

I'm really excited about WH:R. Even though the episodes are available online, I'm resisting the urge to "cheat."  Heck, I might even buy the stupid DVDs when they're released in a box set.

Well, I was out for a week, so I missed the finale of The Big O. Luckily, I have "acquired" most of the episodes, so I should catch up with those now. Unfortunately, it's so hard to find The Big O on Kazaa...because most of the search results are pr0n.  Is it available on DVD?

[Reply #227 on:]

Saw Big O. Very Noir.

[Reply #228 on:]

Was that Ein on Dojima's keychain in Episode 23 of Witch Hunter: Robin? That is so freakin' cool!!

This show rocks. I'm so going to pick up the DVDs...I havent been this giddy about a show since FLCL.

[Reply #229 on:]

Hmmmm, what is Which Hunter about?

[Reply #230 on:]

Think sailor moon...as told by David Lynch

[Reply #231 on:]

I'd say it shares alot in common with the X-files, at least in the first few episodes.

Speaking of X, I'll try to get round to a review of X the tv series at some point.

[Reply #232 on:]

I like anime where people change into animals,like Ranma and Fruits Basket. I also love InuYasha and anything by Rumiko Takahashi. Everytime I come across another anime or manga I get stright to work on drawing charaters from it. I've drawn some really good pics' of Auska. Despite my age i draw extreamly good, MegaTokyo has taught me well.

[Reply #233 on:]

Japanimation..Haha good one.

[Reply #234 on:]

I hate that term, it's just stupid. Just say animation, all cartoons are animation.

[Reply #235 on:]

Finished up with Witch Hunter Robin tonight. Can't wait for David to come online so we can [Lrr] discuss things[/Lrr]. And so he can point out all the things I missed. 

[Reply #236 on:]

Well, here I am, evan.

After watching the end of Witch Hunter Robin I feel much the same way that I did at the end of Outlaw Star: satisfied, yet longing for a sequel.

Also, now that it's over, I won't have a new episode to look forward to every night on Adult Swim.  Oh, well.  New episodes of InuYasha start soon, so I guess I'll have that.

I was resisting the urge to look at any Witch Hunter Robin websites until I had seen all of the show.  (I wanted to avoid spoilers.)  I suppose that I can look now.

[Reply #237 on:]

Witch Hunter Robin does indeed rule. Just curious, which version have people seen? I watched the sub and I'm wondering if the dub is any good.

Any way time for another review

X: The TV series



Now many years ago I found a anime video that looked interesting. It was called X and was a movie just over an hour long. Due to this length it suffered, since the story was actully quite complicated and the length of the movie did not help the pace in any fashion. A few years have passed since this and they finnaly released the TV version of the series. The 26 episodes allows for a greater depth of character and plot developement.

This series comes from Clamp (the people behind Chobits, Card captor Sakura and Magic Knights Rayearth) and as such you can expect certain things. First there are alot of pretty boys (bishonen), which includes homosexual undertones. And characters with magical powers.

Just like the movie, the animation is superb visual effects. The music is also very nice, with classical leanings and also some more contempory styles mixed in. Like I said the character designs are pretty much what you can expect from a bishonen anime. The fights are pretty cool and the plot device to get around the perminant destruction of the cities is very cleaver.

As for the plot, well it very much falls under the catagory of two groups fighting for the Earth each with their own agendas. the 7 dragons of heaven who wish to preseve human life and the 7 Dragons of Earth , who wish to save the Earth from humans. Each side is trying to find a person called Kanoui, who will decide the who will win the final battle. The series also deals with fate and predestined futures. The plot is all most the same as the film except.

Show spoiler

Except the victor of the final battle is entiely different than the movie.

All in all I thought this was so much better than the movie. I really liked this one and I do recomend it.

A-

Recently I have also seen Captain Harlock and Maetal Legands by Leiji Masumoto. I would review them but I really want to see the rest of the series' before I do.

As for for WH:R I would really be interested in seeing some kind of continuation to the series. I think a movie would be really cool.

[Reply #238 on:]

Somebody up there likes me.

[Reply #239 on:]

*Bursts into tears* At last! our prayers have been answered!