Anime u like

[Reply #320 on:]

I am wondering since Newhook brought it up; how many of you are manga readers? I am pretty much exclusively anime myself, although I have looked at a few titles I might get eventually. For one thing it is cheaper then anime for certain. Also like any book, I am pretty sure you get more details then you would in the anime format,since they have more space to work with so to speak.

Tenchi may be one of the "best ever" but I have barely seen any of it. I think I caught 1 or 2 episodes total and I could not make heads or tails of what the heck was going on. You really need to see that from the beginning I think. 

So Coilette,would it be worth while to see those Tenchi movies before the series, or would that be a bad idea? I have the 1st 3 volumes of Excel Saga on DVD if you wanted to trade,I got them extra when I bought the boxset since it worked out to be $2 more then if I had bought the last 3 volumes separately. :P That boxset was a pretty good value if you had not bought any Excel before.

[Reply #321 on:]

 

Originally posted by Klumsy Kitty:
For one thing it is cheaper then anime for certain.

Not necessarily.  They don't show any manga on Cartoon Network, and you can't rent manga for free at Blockbuster.

 

So Coilette,would it be worth while to see those Tenchi movies before the series, or would that be a bad idea?

I'd avoid the first and third movies until after seeing the series, but you could probably watch the second movie without having seen anything else.

The first movie delves heavily into Tenchi's backstory, so it's really better to have seen the series first.  The third movie, well, let's just say that it would lose a lot of it's impact if you didn't watch the series first.  In fact, you really shouldn't watch the third movie until you've seen all of the TV series and the first movie, because the third movie was written to be the end of the Tenchi saga.

The second movie should be okay, though.  You might be a little confused, because you won't really know who the characters are, but all you really need to know is that Tenchi lives in a house with a bunch of girls from other planets.  How they got there isn't really important to the plot of this movie.  In fact, watching the second movie probably isn't a bad introduction to the series.  It's not as good an introduction as watching the first six OAV episodes or watching the first five or six episodes of the TV series, but if you want to start with one of the movies, that would probably be the way to go.

[Reply #322 on:]

I just finished reading this chaps archive and found the series/strip/comic pretty cool, especially the relationships and 'comic' moments between the characters, so does anyone know how this comic compares to, say, Love Hina, Fruits Basket or Ah! My goddess as I want to start one of the series with the same(ish) kind of content as the comic which is sort of a comedy/romance/drama serial.
I've read the general blurbs on the shows  (bar Love Hina) and didn't really find out much.

Also, opinions please, Excel Saga or Serial Experiment Lain?
I'm cut between which one to start first as my money doesn't permit more than 2 series at a time unless I by movies (which I have been this month - Read or Die, pre-order on Grave of the Fireflys and Spriggan being recent purchases) with all this meaning I have less money, which is even shitter as I want to buy some Manga as well.....

Maybe I should just get a higher paying job....

[Reply #323 on:]

@Coilette

Just to be clear on the Tenchi movies. Movies 1 and 3 are set after Tenchi univerese (which is a retelling of the OVA with quite a few differences). The second movie (Daughter of Darkness) is set after the first 6 episodes of the OVA and some novel that have not been translated into English.

On the manga front. On the whole I love to watch aniem but the manga's are usually alot better. The manga's usually go far more in depth that a TV show or film would allow. Now while Akira follows some of the elements of the manga, the manga is far more in depth and interesting. I am currently reading the One piece mangas and then I'm going to move onto Ruroni Kenshin.

Now I'm preety sure I have review Excel saga and Serial Experiments at one point. I can sum both series with one word "insanity", although the insanity is quite different in each. I do highly recomend both series.

[Reply #324 on:]

   

Originally posted by Klumsy Kitty:
So Coilette,would it be worth while to see those Tenchi movies before the series,

It looks like wu and David gave some good explinations to the storylines of the movies. The 1st one you do need to have watched Universe to really appreciate it. The 2nd, OVA knowledge is handy, to understand 'the lighthawk sword'.

But the 3rd one is just a nice romantic movie, I don't really think any prior Tenchi knowledge is essential, but that's where we all have our differences.

Overall it would be wise to watch some Tenchi episodes before tackling the movies. Of course, the descision is yours.

[Reply #325 on:]

 

Originally posted by Coilette:
But the 3rd one is just a nice romantic movie, I don't really think any prior Tenchi knowledge is essential, but that's where we all have our differences.

No, I agree; prior Tenchi knowledge isn't really essential to watching the third movie.  It's just that, well, starting with the movie that was written to be the ending of the story seems wrong to me.  That's like reading the last chapter of a novel first.

Anyway, the best way to start watching Tenchi is to watch the first six OAV episodes.  There's really no substitute.  Some people will tell you that you can start with the TV series instead, and I suppose that you could; but if you watch the TV series before you watch the OAV episodes you might end up with some warped perceptions of the characters.  (For example, you'll probably think that Ayeka is a bitch.)

[Reply #326 on:]

Well it's said ' The best place to start, is at the beginning'.

I understand what you mean with the 3rd movie David, and I agree with you in some respect. But most Japanese start at the back of the book and read forward 

[Reply #327 on:]

 

Originally posted by Coilette:
But most Japanese start at the back of the book and read forward   

Ha ha.  No, they start at the front of the book, they just turn the pages in the opposite direction.

[Reply #328 on:]

Uhh, not 100% sure what your tastes are nerdlingus, so I am not sure which to recommend. Excel is 'Action/comedy' insanity,while Lain is 'cerebral/twisted' insanity if that helps. In other words Excel is hyper-bizarre while Lain is creepy-weird. IMO of course!

So Coilette,would you be interested in that trade? Unless I get some Tenchi of any form via bargain hunting/trades I doubt I will see any of it soon...it's way down on my list of anime I want to get eventually, thought it IS there.

[Reply #329 on:]

Sure, if you want to have the movies on Video, let me know your address (by e-mail, I check it every day), and I'll post them off   

[edit] I got the Tenchi DVD's in the post today   

Lurrr, they are worth having, definitely. I can only play them on my PC because of the coding, I can't play them on my X-Box (yet).

[Reply #330 on:]

Bump!

Got another file sharing service, started to Watch Love Hina and Trigun.

[Reply #331 on:]

Ok this may be strange for me to put this review here as it is neither anime or manga. However it is based on a manga and has an anime version.

I speak of course of

Great Teacher Onizuka



Much like it's counter parts. The best way to way to describe this series is GREAT

Now for those who do not know what this is about. The series tells the story of a graduate of a third rate university who used to part of motorcycle gang, who wants to become a great a teacher. He finally gets his chance at the Serin Mushi academy. Due to his background he causes many headaches for the establishment.

Now I admit with a synopsis like that I would not be endeared to this anime. However there is so much more to the series than this but I can not say without spoiling it.

The series has the right balance of quirkiness, humour and emotion to make it stand out from other series.

Now I have seen the anime and I am making my way through the manga. For those who have seen either I will tell you that the live action is different in many ways but keeps the general gist of the original. Many of the same situations appear but because this is a much shorter series (12 episodes of 45 mins) they have condensed some roles into other characters.

The major difference is that the anime mainly focus' on Onizuka but in this Fuyutsuki (Matsushima Nanako) gets just as much screen time. This seems to be to build more of a relationship to the characters as well as giving a broader perspective of Onizuka.


Sorimachi Takashi is brilliant as Onizuka. While he may not be able to pull the same stupid face as his manga counterpart he still has the charm and quirkiness to carry of the character.

In many ways this series is superior to the anime as it conveys more emotion that did not come through as strong in the anime. Not to mention that the ending was allot better.

All in all this is a fantastic series and gets a well deserved

A+

Now I need to find another place that has the movie and special.

Oh and just for a little trivia. The finale of the series had the largest audience in Japanese history.

[Reply #332 on:]

I think it's funny when people say that the last episode of a series has such a huge number of people watching it. If it's a higher number than were watching the rest of the episodes, that would make many of the viewers people who'd never seen the rest of the show, wouldn't it?
Oh well, I'm confused, but GTO -is- great.
Also every one of you should read Azumanga Daioh.
That is all.

"SEA CUCUMBER!"

[Reply #333 on:]

I agree with EL. Azumanga Daioh is a great read, but it's even better in anime format. Even though it's a bit "girly" at some episodes, that didn't deter me a bit. BTW EL, have you seen Full Moon Wo Sagashite?

Also, good for you nurdy. If you like your romance with a heavy dose with ecchi, go watch Ai Yori Aoshi. I guess it's time to change back to my Love Hina siggy...

[Reply #334 on:]

Also, I've started watching Eva. It rocks.

[Reply #335 on:]

Haven't seen Full Moon yet, though I want to.
I dunno.. The Azumanga anime is admittedly well done.. The animation is superb and the music is nice too. [And amazingly, the voice cast isn't shrill and annoying!]
However, I laughed while reading the manga.. I laughed out loud and I laughed hard. The anime was cute but not as funny in my opinion.

[Reply #336 on:]

Shinji met Rei in person, oopsie. For once I thank god he was not punched up into the horizon like 99% of anime I've seen so far. His reaction was quite normal for a kid his age, and very realistic compared to most of us if we ever got in that situation.

[Reply #337 on:]

Rei's reaction on the other hand...

Show spoiler

"Would you get off of me, please?"

If you like that scene, you'll love the scene in episode 8 where Shinji and his pals first meet Asuka.  Asuka meeting Rei for the first time in episode 9 is pretty funny too.

[Reply #338 on:]

Must...not..hightlight...gah! Make...it..up..to...Satan...l ater...

[Reply #339 on:]

No, it's okay, Nurdy.  You can highlight it.  It's only a spoiler for those who haven't seen the episode you were talking about.

[Reply #340 on:]

Oh.

[Reply #341 on:]

Yes! End of Evangelion shows on thursday!

Finally! Sweet, sweet, horrific, bloody closure!

[Reply #342 on:]

 

Originally posted by David A:
If you like that scene, you'll love the scene in episode 8 where Shinji and his pals first meet Asuka.  Asuka meeting Rei for the first time in episode 9 is pretty funny too.

Show spoiler

A: "So you're the First Child.  We should be friends."
R: "Why?"
A: "Because it'd be convenient!"

Something like that, right?

[Reply #343 on:]

 

Originally posted by evan:
 

Show spoiler

A: "So you're the First Child.  We should be friends."
R: "Why?"
A: "Because it'd be convenient!"

Show spoiler

R: "I'll do it if I'm ordered to."

[Reply #344 on:]

I've started to read the thumbnail theatre edition as well. Got some great quotes.

As for Asuka, very German.

[Reply #345 on:]

Just saw End of Evangelion.

...

Give me a few days to pull my head together.

I still have an intense dislike for Shinji.

[Reply #346 on:]

You know i saw End of Eva well over a year ago now and i will tell you something. I still have not pulled my head togehter.

The film does take a few views before it remotley makes sense. (well Air makes sense but i'm still trying to work out some of the symbolism in "Sincerely yours/My pure heart for you)

Besides, it is kind of the point not to like Shinji. Throughout the series you are shown that he does not have many likable qualities. Basically they are saying the fate of the world is in this unlikable kid's hands..oh crap

[Reply #347 on:]

Woah, I saw End of Eva today too. I don't think I'll get all my head together, but after I saw most of the movie I read the thumbnail theater version on Toastyfrog for a laugh. The idiot I DLed the DVD from crapped up the first 30 minutes, Can I have a quick summary what happens during that lost time? It came into focus when SEELE released the Eva series.

As for Shinji, I felt sorry for him sometimes when his asshole of a father treated him badly or he suffered the traditional agressive beating from Asuka, But during the movie in several moments I just wanted somebody to give him a right boot up the arse and tell him to save the World.

Oh, and I loved Gendo's end. Served him right.

[Reply #348 on:]

I saw End of Eva a few weeks ago with my brother and one of my sisters, both of whom had just watched Eva in its entirety only once. I'd seen it at least twice by then, and it made much more sense to me (a glance through some fansites helped). I found that a lot of it is personal interpretation.

The characters were rather strange too- I thought Shinji was much more annoying in EoE, Misato was quite cold and aggressive, and Rei was even more emotionless than usual.

Right now, I'm halfway through Martian Successor Nadesico, which is rather cool. I'll pick up the rest of the series when it goes cheap again. Love the theme tune though.

And Forbidden Planet were having a sale recently so I got some Manga, based on comments I'd read here:

GTO Volume 1 -Quite amusing, may need to read more though.
FLCL Volume 1 -Halfway through right now, and I can't tell what the hell is going on!
Love Hina Volume 1- Not started yet.

[Reply #349 on:]

The scenes that creeped me out in the Eva movies:
The Shinji-Asuka Hospital incident.
Gendo groping Rei on the inside.
Asuka's Eva being ripped apart.
Giant Rotting Rei.
Shinji strangling Asuka at the end.

[Reply #350 on:]

Yes End of eva certainly had some deeply disturbing scenes.

@Lurrr
The FLCL manga is actually quite different from the tv series and I felt the ending in book two was a little unsatisfying.

Also I have read the first 3 volumes of GTO and I love them. Granted however that I have seen both the live action and the anime of the series so I kinda know whats coming, I will say that the mangas  are very well executed.

Also on a good news bad news front. According to Wizard magazine the third Tenchi Muyo OVA has a US licence :yay: the bad news is that it is not Pioneer (the orginal dubbers of the Tenchi series) but Funimation (who, if their work on DBZ is anything to go by suck ass). I just hope they get the orginal voice actors.

Also in the wizard article they also mention that Tenchi will choose his future bride in the third OVA. Now I remember reading up on some of the original inforamation released on OVA 3 about 3 years ago where they did mention this but that information was later removed from all official sites. This led me the believe that Kajishima that he might be able to milk the Tenchi cow just a little more. Personally I hope he does choose as i might put and end to some of those good damn aweful fan fictions (not all of the are bad but they are the rare cases)

On a similar note I have reassed my posstion on some of the Tenchi characters. As some here know I had no great love for Ayeka. However I now realise that I dislike her only in the TV series, her character is much better in the OVA. This has led me to look again at the other characters  and I will admit I prefer certain incarnations of certain characters better than others.

[Reply #351 on:]

 

Originally posted by wu_konguk:
The FLCL manga is actually quite different from the tv series and I felt the ending in book two was a little unsatisfying.

How many volumes of the FLCL manga are there?  Just two, right?  Maybe I should get those.

 

Also on a good news bad news front. According to Wizard magazine the third Tenchi Muyo OVA has a US licence :yay: the bad news is that it is not Pioneer (the orginal dubbers of the Tenchi series) but Funimation (who, if their work on DBZ is anything to go by suck ass). I just hope they get the orginal voice actors.

Well, even in the Pioneer dub there were cast changes to two of the main characters.  I'm pretty sure that Tenchi's dad and grandfather both went through a few different voice actors as well.  Obviously, I'd prefer if they kept as many of the original voice actors as possible, but I can probably tolerate a few cast changes.

As for Funimation, they're really not that bad.  I've seen quite a few episodes of Yu Yu Hakusho, and I watched Blue Gender on Adult Swim.  Aside from the fact that a lot of the same voice actors were used on both shows, I really didn't have any complaints about the dubbing.  Of course, they're not as good as Pioneer.

 

Also in the wizard article they also mention that Tenchi will choose his future bride in the third OVA. Now I remember reading up on some of the original inforamation released on OVA 3 about 3 years ago where they did mention this but that information was later removed from all official sites. This led me the believe that Kajishima that he might be able to milk the Tenchi cow just a little more. Personally I hope he does choose as i might put and end to some of those good damn aweful fan fictions (not all of the are bad but they are the rare cases)

Show spoiler

If Tenchi does choose, he'll choose Ryoko.  Duh.

I don't know if we'll ever see a definitive answer to that question, though.  Even in Tenchi Forever we didn't expicitly see who Tenchi ends up with (although it was strongly implied), and that was written to be the end of the Tenchi saga (the TV series version of it, anyway).

 

On a similar note I have reassed my posstion on some of the Tenchi characters. As some here know I had no great love for Ayeka. However I now realise that I dislike her only in the TV series, her character is much better in the OVA.

That's what I've been saying all along.

[Reply #352 on:]

Wu: Eva is not the sort of thing you'd buy a relative or watch on a nice bright sunny day where all things are perfect.

[Reply #353 on:]

@ David A

Yes there are only two volumes of the manga 9at least that I know of)

Also some of the voices in YuYu Hakusho really grated with me but in all it was not that bad I suppose. I also just found at that funimation did not get the orginal cast for the episode which they appeared in GXP, however since they only had a few lines each it's not that surprising.

I also agree with the person you say he should choose but with the introduction of Noike it might be different. Really we have to wait for the the next 3 episodes to be released in Japan but I think there is deffinitly something suspicious about Noike. Pesonanally i just hope they don't cop out like they did with the end of GXP

Show spoiler

he married all of the women, granted there was some reasoning behind it but it seemd like a cop out to me

Also I do conseed to your wisdom concerning Ayeka.

@Nurdy
Indeed. I think it would be a bad idea for me to show it to my parents at any rate as they think that all anime is weird and it would only reinforce that.

[Reply #354 on:]

The news on the Tenchi 3rd OVA series is definitely good news/bad news. It's great that it's coming to America soon!

I do hope they manage to get most of the original voice actors, especially Jennifer Darling and Petera Burchard, I for one will not have any sleepless nights if Matt K Miller doesn't return. Don't get me wrong, he did a perfectly respectable job, I just never really liked his voice from the start.

[Reply #355 on:]

Ugh, Funimation. I'm glad I'm such a sub whore.

Wu: But, all anime is weird. It's supposed to be most of the time. Bar Akira, Fireflies and Ghost in a Shell. Oh, I saw that recently.

[Reply #356 on:]

 

Originally posted by wu_konguk:
I also agree with the person you say he should choose but with the introduction of Noike it might be different.

You misunderstood.  That's not the person I think he should choose.  That's the person I think he would choose.

Show spoiler

I think he should choose Sasami.  He'd have to wait until she grows up, of course; but once she does, I think she'd be the best match for him.

I don't think that that's what Tenchi wants, though.

 

Also I do conseed to your wisdom concerning Ayeka.

It took a couple of years, but you finally came around to my way of thinking.  For my next trick, I shall turn Venus into an anime fan.  I'll need a copy of the live-action Witch Hunter Robin movie.  Does that exist yet?

[Reply #357 on:]

I'm giving Full Metal Panic a try now. As for Mahromatic, the art seems rather odd with the slight darkness and agnst from time to time between the nudity and other service.

[Reply #358 on:]

I'm confused about .Hack. A friend showed me one of the graphic novels and it looked great, but it didn't appear to be .Hack//Sign which was the one I've previously heard of. After reading it for a bit, I want to get into it. Looking online there appear to be a fair few, which is the best to start off with?

[Reply #359 on:]

Has anyone here seen Kino's Journey? It's wonderfully thoughtful and quiet and well-written.. Something that doesn't jump out at the viewer but makes them think and stays with them for a long time.