Anime and Manga Thread Vol. 1: Visions of a God

[quote name='PrarieD0G']Yeah, the thing about Genshiken is that it made me realize what a loser I am, haha. But who am I kidding, I've always known that. :p

Now if I can just somehow go to Otakon this year, I'll be a true anime nerd (never been to a convention before), haha.[/QUOTE]

Otaku no Video make me realize what a nerd I am.

I'm going to Youmacon this year. I'm not the con-going sort, so it'll be an experience to be sure. I'll likely take pics and report on it here or in whatever Anime thread we've got then. Plus, I'll get to meet Laura Bailey and tell her that we're married!
 
Hmmm, is that right CJ? haha, well there's one in Arlington, VA, I think. Maybe if I go to that one I can call myself an otaku. (not that that's a good thing, lol)
Cool, yeah, post some pics when you get back Chairman.

I think I might start watching Beck next, after I finish Escaflowne. That show has really picked up. Just had a slow start.
 
I just finished watching Princess Resurrection. I thought everything about it was great except for the overarching storyline. There was a story, but they rarely ever went anywhere with it. When they did start dealing with the story it was great, but they soiled the impact of the end of the show by not having it as the last episode on the disc. The last two episodes are extra episodes, which should of been put before the real last episode.

Anyway, like I said, the character designs and the art were great. I enjoyed the Japanese dub a lot more than I thought I would have; the voices fit their respective characters and the subtitles weren't obnoxious—most the time I forgot I was reading subtitles.

Huga, huga.
 
[quote name='PrarieD0G']Hmmm, is that right CJ? [/QUOTE]

I just realized you were referring to me.

If you live in or near Baltimore, feel free to go to Otakon. If you've never been to a con before, you'll probably enjoy it. I went to Otakon 7 times. I thought it was a lot better 8 or 9 years ago when it wasn't so large.

Isn't Katsucon the one in Arlington, VA? My friends always wanted to go to that one in addition to Otakon back in the day, but it was always in February, and we had school. Plus it was hard to swing the money for two con trips.
 
[quote name='Razzuel']I just finished watching Princess Resurrection. I thought everything about it was great except for the overarching storyline. There was a story, but they rarely ever went anywhere with it. When they did start dealing with the story it was great, but they soiled the impact of the end of the show by not having it as the last episode on the disc. The last two episodes are extra episodes, which should of been put before the real last episode.

Anyway, like I said, the character designs and the art were great. I enjoyed the Japanese dub a lot more than I thought I would have; the voices fit their respective characters and the subtitles weren't obnoxious—most the time I forgot I was reading subtitles.

Huga, huga.[/QUOTE]

Too bad they only had a budget of $5 per show. Still loved it, though.

Riza... *drool*
 
[quote name='DarkSageRK']Too bad they only had a budget of $5 per show. Still loved it, though.

Riza... *drool*[/QUOTE]

Nah, I am more into Hime and Reiri.
 
Friday day off = win, so here's my anime update for the past couple days:

Suzuka is finished. I really enjoyed it, and even though it definitely has problems (it drags on a little too much at some points, there are times when characters are just delaying the inevitable for no reason), i really liked it, and actually got addicted to it. It made me forget about...

Hellsing, which was amazing. I finished the original series, and own all four OVA's, plan to watch them soon. I thought the series in the beginning was going to be a dated sort of show that fans give more credit than is due, but i was wrong (shocking, i know). The show gets better and better as it goes on, and in the end, i thought it was great. I hear the OVA is even better because the story is more complete, so i'm looking forward to them. Too bad there's rumored to be 8 or 9 of them, and only 4 have released in NA (and only 6 in Japan). The english dub was amazing (Crispin Freeman ftw), and i love Alucard- he's such a badass.

I also started Kanon, which is so confusing right now that i might actually have to rewatch parts of episodes (i only watched three). I've already forgotten who a character was, and thought two characters were the same person. I know the creators (since i've seen Air) like to be fast-paced and hope the watcher gets everything, but i think that's a flaw rather than something amazing. I don't think that they're introducing the characters very well and letting me get to know them if, three episodes in, i already don't know who two of them are, and they've already been introduced.

I also plan to start Eureka Seven next, and hopefully the movie will be out on DVD soon. The english dubbed movie was just announced for theaters later this year, so i'll be looking forward to that (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/new...tainment-adds-eureka-7-film-streams-tv-series).

To end my long post, i'll end with something funny. Yesterday, during the fireworks, i overheard someone say "Materialize" and instantly thought of My-Otome. Yep, i'm sad, no doubt about it.
 
[quote name='Razzuel']No offense, but it just sounds like you don't pay attention very much, haha. I never had a problem remembering who was who; plus you are only three episodes in, so don't start going too crazy yet. The party has only begun for you, hahaha; just wait until later.[/QUOTE]

I actually do, but i think they didn't do a very good job, or maybe it was too much to handle at once. I have no intention of stopping, it still has a great premise.


Also, just opening the Hellsing OVA's took a damn long time. Maybe it's because i'm a perfectionist, but getting every single sticker off (and those black things they stick everywhere) took a long fucking time. I also had to setup the figurines of course. In honor of my time well wasted spent, PICTURES!

GamingSetup001-10.jpg

GamingSetup002-10.jpg

EDIT: One more, i missed Anderson's sword:
GamingSetup-11.jpg
 
[quote name='the_punisher']I actually do, but i think they didn't do a very good job, or maybe it was too much to handle at once. I have no intention of stopping, it still has a great premise.[/QUOTE]

I never had a problem, so who knows; I actually think they did a fantastic job. Also, I wasn't insinuating that you might stop, uguu.
 
[quote name='the_punisher']
Also, just opening the Hellsing OVA's took a damn long time. Maybe it's because i'm a perfectionist, but getting every single sticker off (and those black things they stick everywhere) took a long fucking time. I also had to setup the figurines of course. In honor of my time well wasted spent, PICTURES!
[/QUOTE]

OMG. Those fucking black/white sticker things. My poor fingernails... And when they put them on the boxes, and to get them off I have to peel off part of the box... Makes me RAGE every time.

What were all your MAL profiles, again? I wanna add some friends.
 
[quote name='the_punisher']Suzuka is finished. I really enjoyed it, and even though it definitely has problems (it drags on a little too much at some points, there are times when characters are just delaying the inevitable for no reason), i really liked it, and actually got addicted to it. It made me forget about...[/QUOTE]

I'm serious when I say you should read the manga. If you think you've had enough of Suzuka, and you're sure you really don't want to read it, at least read the last few chapters.
 
[quote name='Hostile']I'm serious when I say you should read the manga. If you think you've had enough of Suzuka, and you're sure you really don't want to read it, at least read the last few chapters.[/QUOTE]

From what I have heard, the punisher, doesn't like reading, haha.;)
 
KL has dropped hot knowledge on the peeps in here regarding Japan. When I was living there every channel had recycled tarento (talent..) cooking/eating or making bland comments about nothing. Miserable stuff. There were very few anime on TV at that point, but there was tons of manga everywhere. Hell I just used to grab manga while on the train because everyone leaves their copy of jump/whatever there. You can even find porn/hentai on the trains in the same fashion.
 
Speaking of manga (although it has nothing really to do with manga in japan) what does everyone think of collected volume manga sets (like the VizBig line) vs regular single volumes? Mainly I'm wondering because for many of the stories that are now getting collected volume editions , I don't own any single volumes of them aready so I figured it would be better and cheaper to just start picking them up in the big volumes instead of the singles. Good idea , bad idea , pros and cons?

I feel like this has been brought up in a past Anime and manga thread (probably by me) but am too lazy to go back and check any of them.
 
[quote name='DarkSageRK']OMG. Those fucking black/white sticker things. My poor fingernails... And when they put them on the boxes, and to get them off I have to peel off part of the box... Makes me RAGE every time.

What were all your MAL profiles, again? I wanna add some friends.[/QUOTE]

I didn't know they had friends' lists on there, awesome. Mine is (predictably):
http://myanimelist.net/animelist/The_Punisher
EDIT: Just updated it so it looks like a normal profile now, including pictures of my current obsession, Kanon.

Speaking of Kanon, it's a lot better now. I understand the world and characters (sorta, it is still Kanon xD), and i like the entire world a lot better than Air right now. My main problem with Air was that it had the potential to be amazing, but it was only the relationship between the two main characters that was really good. Kanon is great. The OP/ED's are growing on me too, but the Air OP will still beat them both ;).

[quote name='Hostile']I'm serious when I say you should read the manga. If you think you've had enough of Suzuka, and you're sure you really don't want to read it, at least read the last few chapters.[/QUOTE]

Is it really that different? If it's not that much, i'd consider it. The reason i never bothered for things like Fruits Basket or Berserk is because there's a lot more of the manga than the anime in both cases.

[quote name='StarKnightX']Speaking of manga (although it has nothing really to do with manga in japan) what does everyone think of collected volume manga sets (like the VizBig line) vs regular single volumes? Mainly I'm wondering because for many of the stories that are now getting collected volume editions , I don't own any single volumes of them aready so I figured it would be better and cheaper to just start picking them up in the big volumes instead of the singles. Good idea , bad idea , pros and cons?

I feel like this has been brought up in a past Anime and manga thread (probably by me) but am too lazy to go back and check any of them.[/QUOTE]

I don't read manga much, but i feel like if i started to, the collections would be better for me. They make collecting the entire story much easier, rather than buying 20 or 30 volumes. There's also that problem of storage that i know a lot of people on here seem to complain about.
 
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[quote name='the_punisher']Speaking of Kanon, it's a lot better now. I understand the world and characters (sorta, it is still Kanon xD), and i like the entire world a lot better than Air right now. My main problem with Air was that it had the potential to be amazing, but it was only the relationship between the two main characters that was really good. Kanon is great. The OP/ED's are growing on me too, but the Air OP will still beat them both ;).[/QUOTE]

Oh, so you started paying attention now?;)

Also, you are wrong; Air is amazing.
 
[quote name='the_punisher']
The reason i never bothered for things like Fruits Basket or Berserk is because there's a lot more of the manga than the anime in both cases.
[/QUOTE]

You're kinda missing the point. The reason you should read the manga is because it's usually more complete.

Whenever a manga is popular, they tend to try to make an anime as quickly as possible. The problem is that manga comes out a little slower than anime so they run out of source material quickly. Then there are 3 basic choices: 1) End it, hoping to return to it once more manga is written, but it will probably never happen, 2) Make up an ending, 3) Make up a filler arc until enough manga is written to return to the actual story.

Sometimes manga and anime are close enough that it doesn't really matter, but on some occasions you should really check out the manga.
 
[quote name='ChibiJosh']You're kinda missing the point. The reason you should read the manga is because it's usually more complete.

Whenever a manga is popular, they tend to try to make an anime as quickly as possible. The problem is that manga comes out a little slower than anime so they run out of source material quickly. Then there are 3 basic choices: 1) End it, hoping to return to it once more manga is written, but it will probably never happen, 2) Make up an ending, 3) Make up a filler arc until enough manga is written to return to the actual story.

Sometimes manga and anime are close enough that it doesn't really matter, but on some occasions you should really check out the manga.[/QUOTE]

The only problem is that manga doesn't seem to hold my attention for very long, especially when Fruits Basket ends on manga 6 or 7 (no idea what it actually is, but i'm pretty sure it isn't much), and the series has 23 total. I just know that i'll never read them all. If Suzuka only has an extra one or two, maybe three (same for Elfen Lied now that i think about it), i'd be more interested in trying it out because i know manga is always more complete than anime. I'm always worried an anime won't end well, and unfortunately, a lot of the time i'm right.
 
[quote name='the_punisher']The only problem is that manga doesn't seem to hold my attention for very long, especially when Fruits Basket ends on manga 6 or 7 (no idea what it actually is, but i'm pretty sure it isn't much), and the series has 23 total. I just know that i'll never read them all. If Suzuka only has an extra one or two, maybe three (same for Elfen Lied now that i think about it), i'd be more interested in trying it out because i know manga is always more complete than anime. I'm always worried an anime won't end well, and unfortunately, a lot of the time i'm right.[/QUOTE]

That logic is really weird, but oh well. I would think you would read the manga so you could experience more of that universe's characters and events instead of just reading the manga so you can experience the anime again through another medium; at least that's why I would read the manga.

Take Nausicaa for example: even though I haven't finished the manga because I am really lazy and I get easily distracted by shiny new things, I have read four of them to completion. The movie was amazing, but the manga takes Nausicaa to a-whole-nother level because it expands on everything that the movie had, and it does it to perfection.
 
[quote name='Moxio']I have no idea what direction New PoT is taking. :whistle2:|[/QUOTE]

I don't think there's a specific direction right now. I think Konomi is giving fan service right now to the fans. Sort of a 'what if so-and-so fought, who'd win?' kinda thing. And for the record, despite my dislike for Sanada, I'd rather he beat the shit out of Yukimura. Because Yukimura is a bigger douche than Sanada. :razz:
 
[quote name='the_punisher']Is it really that different? If it's not that much, i'd consider it. The reason i never bothered for things like Fruits Basket or Berserk is because there's a lot more of the manga than the anime in both cases.[/QUOTE]

If you don't care about the canon of the majority of the things you watch, it's fine to skip them, but the manga is usually the better format to start with and they usually continue longer, which is a good thing if you liked the story. I'll agree they can sometimes go on for too long though.

Not to pimp the site I "work" for but check out MangaUpdates (Suzuka) for ideas on when an anime ends.

As for Suzuka specifically, I started getting bored with it midway or thereabouts, but liked the manga ending. I won't say it's different because Suzuka and Yamato still like each other but more shit happens.
 
I just finished Escaflowne. For being so old, it was pretty awesome. When they were explaining some of the backstory, it dragged a bit, but it was pretty good other than that. Merle was my favorite character, haha. Definitely the most "traditional" anime I've watched. Not sure if I'll watch the movie or not; seems kinda weird.

Also, the soundtrack was great. Yoko Kanno is the best.

The ending
was a lot like FMA's if you think about it (or, more accurately, the other way around). It was sad but at the same time hopeful.
 
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I'm not sure how the Fruits manga goes but the anime is a waste of time.

I'm probably gonna start Genshiken soon and see how that rolls.
 
I feel like i'm starting to see patterns in anime. Maybe this is just because three anime's i've recently seen are Air, Kanon, and Suzuka, but...

-Guy comes into new place from somewhere else
-Guy meets crapload of girls, not many guys
-Guy has childhood friend from a long time ago
-Guy doesn't remember things about his past

I know i'll probably get yelled at by a couple people for writing this (as i did/might for not really liking manga), but i figure i want to see how you guys react anyway.


I'll try to write something interesting here by saying that i watched the first Hellsing OVA, and i didn't realize that the OVA series was a retelling of sorts of the Hellsing story. Apparently, this version (other than having a massive graphic overhaul, for the better i might add) more closely follows the manga, and i'm not sure why they didn't do it in the original anime, because the OVA is amazing.

One problem i've always had with the series is that the music sometimes (okay, a lot) drowns out the voices and so i can't always here what people say, and i'll be honest, it only got worse in the OVA. The story, however, is much improved, and i'm looking forward to the next part.


I sort of realized today that i wanted to play a game for once instead of watching anime, but i've been buying so much anime, i stopped buying games. fuck. Not that there's much out right now (looking at Red Faction), but this is still cheapassGAMER, isn't it?

EDIT: Elfen Lied sort-of follows my 4 points also. Awesome.
 
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I watched the first episode of Gun Frontier today, since I have anime network on demand. Seems like the show might be pretty good.

I also got to see the first episode of Cosmic Warrior. Not sure about how I feel about this one. Gonna have to see a few more to form an opinion.

Are these shows related somehow? They have very similar art styles.
 
[quote name='the_punisher'] Not that there's much out right now (looking at Red Faction), but this is still cheapassGAMER, isn't it?[/QUOTE]
Yeah, I'm pretty sure CheapAssAnimer is too awkward a name to exist. :)

So yeah... anime... Umm... I haven't watched anything since the end of FMP. Though I have been slowly reading through Steam Detectives vol 2. Kinda disappointed that I never found vol 1 but whatever. Anyway, I don't know if that's how the manga was intended or what, but SD is very American. Right off the bat, it was printed in normal book fashion, not the left-to-right that has become the norm. But mostl it's just the villian names, how they act, etc. They seem fitting of something like Batman.
 
Does it seem like it would translate well to anime? I have the first DVD, but I haven't bothered watching it. Probably won't for a long time, but I'm just curious.
 
Not exactly sure why i thought of this, but has anyone been watching the Valkyria Chronicles anime? Apparently it ends in late september, so i'll probably start it around then (i doubt it's coming to the US, so i'll just find it subbed). I was wondering if anyone has seen it, possibly likes it?

Reminds me that i want to see Haruhi 2 also, but i'll probably wait for the NA release. Hope it's not too far off.
 
FLCL is nuts. I just watched it. I really don't know what to think of it; predictably I was confused throughout most of it. I read an analysis of it and apparently it's really just about
coming of age/puberty
. I guess if you love symbolism and craziness, you would like this show (?). It's just weird.
 
Yeah, FLCL rocks.

[quote name='DarkSageRK']Does it seem like it would translate well to anime? I have the first DVD, but I haven't bothered watching it. Probably won't for a long time, but I'm just curious.[/QUOTE]
Honestly, it can go either way. First of all, it's called Steam Detectives because it's set in a old style London/Tokyo crossover city that still uses steam as it's mainpower source. The problem with this is that I never feel like the setting matters, it's just there. If they can make the setting more lively and integrate it better, make the detective-ing a little Cased Closed-ish, and have some decent action, it could be a fun show.
 
Hmm, all right. Looks like it'll be a bit before I watch it, then. :p The DVD was only $2, though. How could I resist?
 
I've been reading a lot of people's analysis and interpretations of FLCL, and stuff is starting to make more sense now. Despite all the symbolism, it really isn't all that deep.

Even if you were to take apart and analyze everything, I think that there's still plenty of stuff that's completely random and nonsensical. But if sexual metaphors are your thing, then enjoy.
I didn't hate it. I didn't love it. It just is what it is.
 
[quote name='Kirin Lemon']Actually, I don't like The Pillows *because* of FLCL. If their music was played in the show with any sense of musical timing or appropriateness, maybe it would have been better. Instead, songs are just laid right over the visuals with no rhyme or reason, thereby making the show even more abrasive and obnoxious than it was originally. Can't. Effing. Stand. FLCL.[/QUOTE]

Ouch.

I feel like they did the same thing in Hellsing- inserted random songs without using "any sense of musical timing or appropriateness".

It's really strange when they do it. At least when the Jazz kicked in in Cowboy Bebop, it was cool.
 
[quote name='the_punisher']I feel like they did the same thing in Hellsing- inserted random songs without using "any sense of musical timing or appropriateness".[/QUOTE]

The Hellsing TV series has a whole laundry list of problems, that being one of them. Man, was that thing awful... At least Ultimate is fairly enjoyable, though *extremely* morbid.
 
The first time I saw FLCL was when it first came out in Japan. My friend imported the Japanese DVDs, 6 of them for like $60 each. Episodes 2-6 had subtitles on them, but episode 1 didn't for whatever reason.
 
Yeah, the Pillows just seemed like generic rock to me; I know of a few people that love them though (I think from watching FLCL too, heh)... None of their songs really stood out to me, other than one played in the last episode which I thought was pretty awesome. I agree though, there was really no timing involved when they played the songs, haha. It was just like background music.

ChibiJosh, so he spent $360 for 6 episodes? Haha, that's crazy. He must love it.
 
Not to mention however much it cost him to buy the region-free DVD player that I don't think he ever used aside from FLCL. He was a giant Gainax nut though.

[quote name='Kirin Lemon']Actually, I don't like The Pillows *because* of FLCL. If their music was played in the show with any sense of musical timing or appropriateness, maybe it would have been better. Instead, songs are just laid right over the visuals with no rhyme or reason, thereby making the show even more abrasive and obnoxious than it was originally. Can't. Effing. Stand. FLCL.[/QUOTE]
I don't know. During the scene when Canti "eats" Naota for the first time, and Little Busters starts playing, I get goosebumps.
 
[quote name='ChibiJosh']I don't know. During the scene when Canti "eats" Naota for the first time, and Little Busters starts playing, I get goosebumps.[/QUOTE]

I haven't seen the show, but did someone just eat someone else?

I GOTTA SEE THIS SHOW!

(Also, watched the first 2 episodes of Eureka Seven, and wow was i pronouncing Eureka wrong ;))
 
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woo hoo just find out Zettai Muteki Raijin-Oh is getting a US release soon. I love that show when I was a kid.
 
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