First Look: Spring 2013
There have there been a lot of changes recently in my life that I feel I don’t have time to watch anime… Oh who am I kidding? There is always time to watch anime. Sleep is overrated anyway right? I’ve managed to find some time to catch up on a lot of the anime coming out this season and as usually I have opinions on them. If I didn’t I’d be worried that this website was made in vain. I’ll admit that I was a bit more selective in my process this time around so you may notice a lot less drops this time around. However, that doesn’t mean I’m actually enjoying everything I’m watching. As usually I’ll be using the format of worth picking up, on watch, and dropped.
Episodes Watched: 3
I was a little worried going into this anime because of the story. I mean who would think this might turn out to be a good romance if a girl ‘accidentally’ steals a girl’s gym clothes. The art style also didn’t ensue for much comedy. I still wanted to give it a shot though because it was different. So far I have to say that I’m not completely turned off by it but I’m also not invested. Probably the one thing that differs this anime quite a bit from any other I’ve seen is the realism . They went for a more realistic animation style while still making it pretty very eye catching. The backgrounds especially are brilliantly done and contain a ton of detail. The characters are a bit ‘rugged’ and have facial features, hair, and body type that you would see in the real world. The personalities also seem to be based off someone in real life. No one is too out there and I’m sure I could actually tie each personality with someone I actually know. I am definitely going to keep watching this one but I’m not sure it will fair nicely in the standings. It could end up being absolutely brilliant or creepy and unbearable to watch. I don’t see this one being a “pick it up if you’re bored” anime. Either I’ll say you have to see it or absolutely avoid it.
Episodes Watched: 3
I’m happy that I picked this anime up because it has a little bit of everything so far. It has a pretty well established romance which makes me happy that we wont have to worry about the “Does he like me?” “Do I like her?” stereotypical drama. It is also a very strange plot which most of you know I’m a fan of. I like the little bond that they share, and the introduction of “Killing Goods” made it more exciting. They were not afraid to jump right into it and get you familiar with the main characters. What probably got me interested was the third episode. Toward the end you start to see the true evil that is found in all Killing Goods. I’m happy to say that this anime decided to take a different turn by having the main character be willing to become a murder for the girl who loves. I’ve seen so many anime that go with the “I”ll be good for you and give up my bad life style” so it’s nie to see a change of pace. It has a lot of potential to being worth watching, or at least a time killer. The only thing that bugs me is the art style. It is a biased opinion so I wont let it effect my watching because I know there have been plenty of anime that had an irritating art style that I finally got used to.
Episodes Watched: 1
I had pretty decent hopes when I read about this anime and was looking forward to it. I knew it wouldn’t be a must see but I thought that I could get some entertainment out of it. The opening of having your cute little sister waking you up for school in a rather creepy fashion is very overplayed so that was one ding. She was extremely attached to her brother, and of course her brother was very close to her. Suddenly things started to get really intense. Lives were at stake and I started to get excited. The sudden appearance of an out-space girl carrying a large weapon defending herself from pursuers could have been the making of a good anime. Then suddenly things calmed down and the seriousness of the anime completely went away. I knew at this point I had lost all hope of the anime once I figured out the main storyline. It didn’t seem like anything worth continuing so I ended up dropping it after one episode. Someone might mentioned it later o possibly suggest it but I really doubt I’ll bother.
Devil Survivor 2 The Animation
Episodes Watched: 2
I was honestly very confused if this was a sequel or something like Persona 4. I’m happy that it isn’t a sequel because so far I’m really enjoying it. It might not be the most interesting plot or characters, but it has some pretty solid points to it. The animation and general character development is pretty well done. I have to say that introducing an actual threat to society where people actually died made it a lot better. The problem I had with Persona 4 as much as I enjoyed it was the lack of fear. This one has people in harms way from the beginning and none of it seems to actually blow over. Everyone is living in this new world where they fear for their lives. I am afraid that it might go down the path of suddenly everyone is saved thanks to this newly formed team of students, but time will tell. I wont say pick it up just yet because it might end up being average, but if you have some extra time this would probably be one I suggest.
Episodes Watched: 3
I’m not really sure why I decided to pick up the second season considering the first wasn’t that great. Sure it was comedic and it had some great skits, plus a lot of anime references, but it wasn’t anything special. Comedies also don’t generally fair well with time because there are only so many gags you can do before it gets old. The biggest problem I have with Haiyore! Nyaruko-san is the obvious plot twist. It was never an actual problem or threat so it was hard to get into. They did the same gag over and over again that it got a little tiring.I’m sure the same is going to happen this season so I’m not expecting anything from it. I’m sure it will be an anime I watch during down time instead of one I frequently keep up with. I strongly doubt I will do a review of it either because I would have to copy/paste the first season’s review.
Episodes Watched: 3
If you haven’t picked this one up yet I suggest you do. It is easily my favorite anime of the season for being bother comedically brilliant and plot oriented. The characters are amazing and I’m already very invested in what’s going to happen to them. I don’t think it will be anything that sparks conversation, but it will definitely have great entertainment value. The plot has picked up quite a bit and there may actually be a bit of drama on top of the comedy which might be a good change. Honestly though, if they decided to make this a pure comedy I wouldn’t mind it in the least. The characters have a great dynamic so far and I’m sure introducing more characters in their circle of frenemies would be a good next step. Again, if you haven’t already started watching this I suggest you go do it right now. I anticipate it to be the best this season.
Episodes Watched: 3
I watched the first season, I liked the first season, and I thought that a second season was in order. That all changed once they aired the first episode and I realized what direction they decided to take it in. I’m not sure if I just don’t remember the first season well enough because it has been so long, or if things actually changed, but I’m kind of regretting picking this one up. Now I do remember it starting off very casual and having very ecchi moments but that soon changed and it become something quite well done. After the third episode I’m starting to see that plot driven anime once again. I have noticed the anime got a lot bolder with what the show on television and I’m not sure I’m too happy about that. I knew it would be ecchi coming in but I might have forgot exactly how ecchi. The art style is still brilliant and the action is fun to watch so I’m hoping that it overshadows the fan service in later episodes. However, I wouldn’t suggest picking this one up quite yet. Though I’m sure most people who finished the first season have already started.
Episodes Watched: 3
I have very mixed feelings about this anime and it’s probably the only one I’m on the fence about. I didn’t really like the first or second episode, and the third was decent at best. I know that it has some great potential since we don’t really know what the main character’s special power is but I don’t have high hopes. I’m strongly against shy, boring, and mediocre main characters in a non-comedy setting which Izumiko fits perfectly. She is a really boring character and her (let’s face it) lover Miyuki is a complete jerk. He really has no redeeming qualities. In his first encounter with trouble he wanted to run with his tail between his legs. How can that be a good start to an anime series? Probably my favorite thing about the series is the art style which isn’t saying much. I might actually end up dropping this one but for now I’ll keep an eye on it. Who knows maybe I’ll be surprised?
Episodes Watched: 3
The first thing I have to say about this anime is that it isn’t a light watch. I wouldn’t tell anyone to pick this up if they don’t want to feel emotionally attached or cringe at death. Shingeki no Kyojin gave me the same feeling Muv-Luv: Total Eclipse did: rage, pride, and sorrow. Within three episodes I’ve become greatly attached to the main characters and have a boiling hatred for things that don’t even exist. For an anime to have such a big impact on me this early on says a lot. I want to mention the art as well. I know quite a few anime that fell short of bringing me into the world or feeling distressed because the art wasn’t quite up to par. Shingeki no Kyojin does a phenomenal job showing raw emotion on the characters’ faces when everything broke down. I don’t know how I would react if humanity looked as thought it was breathing its last breath. I urge you all to pick this one up as it is my third favorite this season.
Episodes Watched: 3
Probably my second favorite anime of the season (followed very closely by Shingeki no Kyojin. I think the idea of having someone from the ‘future’ coming back to earth was a brilliant idea. More importantly I find the interaction and differences between the two cultures to be almost spot on. If this were to ever happen I could definitely see it following the same format as Suisei no Gargantia. I’m happy that they didn’t make it entirely chaotic, comical, or over the top. It’s sci-fi like this that make me enjoy the genre so much. I don’t really care much about the technology or state of the universe; I care about the interaction and culture shifts. I can’t say that it is something for everyone since it doesn’t have any heavy comedy, action, or many other things that hook people into a story, but I will say to pick it up. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it so far and can’t wait to see where it takes me. I want to see how Led adapts to his surroundings, and how everyone reacts to such a foreign idea of space travel. I strongly urge everyone to give this one a shot. I’m sure I wont be the only one who likes it.
Episodes Watched: 2
There isn’t much to say about this series since many of you will watch it if you have watched Index before. It’s a good spinoff but not great. I’m enjoying it so far but it isn’t as epic as Index. That being said, there is a good story cooking up so I’m excited to watch. I don’t think that it will be something I will write a review on, however, since many people will already have opinions on it or already watch it by the time it’s over.