Title: Log Horizon
Genre: MMO – Game / Adventure / Fantasy
Preview Score: 8
Preview (by Dash):
Log Horizon Season 2 picks up shortly after the events of the first season. I would recommend watching the first season if you have any interest in the anime. In short, you follow a gamer named Shiroe, who for lack of better description, is one of the best players in the world and formerly part of one of the best known groups Debauchery Tea Party that is now disbanded. Shiroe now finds himself trapped with over 10,000 other players in the game with no way to log out. Now Shiroe must not only find his way and self in the game again, but also work with new friends in adjusting to their new life and eventually finding the a way out of the game.
For all intents, that’s a very brief summary. Season two jumps right back into Shiroe’s plans on how to solidify the lives they now have in Log Horizon while trying to solve the riddle of getting out of the game. The opening gives some pretty good hints into what to expect and the arcs covered in the second season are bit more game and action based than the first. Log Horizon has been one of my favorite anime of the year and I am really happy to see its return.
Understandably people do not agree with me on Log Horizon being one of the better anime of the year. It is a typical “I am trapped in a game” theme, however unlike SAO and .Hack, they do not die in real life. The anime focuses more on the day to the day life of the gamers now that they are trapped in the game. It plays more focus on aspects of the MMO that I find fun and can relate to like crafting, guilds, and parties. Log Horizon also does a pretty good job at explaining how an MMO works for those who do not play them, granted for many veteran MMO players this could be seen as “slowing down the show”. I also feel they do a better job at developing the cast of characters the viewer follows.
A bit win for me was pointing out all of the day to day aspects that would be involved in living in your new game world as well. The address the importance of learning “outside the box” for making “flavored food”, developing skills, and creating a world that can function versus the pure chaos that could fall upon a game if everyone was trapped in it. I always felt SAO and .Hack glazed over the background aspects that hold true in Log Horizon.
I can see why people will be put off by Log Horizon. Although there are action based times, much of the first season is behind the scenes and the one big battle you get follows the lower level party. LH is not hack and slash mindless fun that many action goers seek. Second, due to the nature of really developing the MMO feel, its slow. It paces a lot like Mahouka. You will spend a good 4-8 episodes getting through a plot and usually two or more things are being addressed. Add in the overall character design, that I like, but is considered simple by many (which is true). The “details” aren’t there for the characters like you see in many new anime, however I feel they did a good job with the armor. Lastly the nuances (like Shiro lifting glasses) seem to rub some the wrong way. The “it’s typical” mentality is coming in, but if you watch as much anime as I do… everything seems to be typical at some point.
Overall it’s a solid show in my mind. I found the first season easy to re-watch a second time and enjoy. I can only hope the second season follows suit and sticks to its strong points. Based on what I know, the second season is a bit more exciting so hang in there action fans (you will get some cool special attacks). Overall I think most people can enjoy Log Horizon for what it is, I know I did.
Title: Shirobako
Genre: Comedy / Job
Preview Score: 7
Preview (by Dash):
Shirobako starts with the introduction of the visual animation club getting ready for their final project. You will get a short introduction to each characters dream for a job and then the final graduation of two members with a promise to meet again in the anime industry. Shortly after you will jump a few years later following (the now adult) Aoi Miyamori as she strives to become a director (with a nod to Initial D) and working within her agency.
The intro pulled me in with a K-On style group of girls working on their animation project. You spend about 10/15 minutes taking a quick glimpse into their high school lives before jumping into their now current positions in the anime industry.
We pretty much spend the first episode following Aoi Miyamori as she runs around trying to get the anime she is working on “finished” in time for release. It’s a fun look at some of the back office personalities (although in a fictional means) behind the anime we all love. It was nice to see them point out the several different positions involved into making an anime. Aside from all the characters (which can make your head spin), you’ll follow the random “run around” that Aoi goes through to ensure the anime is a success.
Minus the slight “overload” of characters, the plot and dialogue are fun/easy to follow along with. I find the character design a nice middle ground between the simple styles and detailed styles you see a lot. I personally love how they are drawn. The overall animation is a solid mark, especially when you have an anime that features other anime forcing “alternate styles” in the show. The humor remains easy to take in, however I do imagine you will see “life situations” which will take you for ups and downs as you go along. I personally am looking forward to meeting the rest of the cast.
In short, if you are looking for a solid “behind the scenes”/Slice of Life anime you will want to pick this up. The overall construction is a win (from art, music – albeit a bit standard, and VA standpoints). This is more a genre based pick if you watch it, clearly action and ecchi fans will not really find Shirobako at the top of their list. Regardless I see the potential for this 26 episode run to be entertaining and worth at least one watch as of now.
Title: Cross Ange
Genre: Bishoujo Mecha
Preview Score: 6
Preview (By Dash):
The first episode didn’t give too much explination the world that is “Cross Ange”. You follow Princess Angelize (Ange) as she falls from what is considered “human” into a “norma”. In short almost all humans possess “mana” or the ability to use magic. For some reason (thats exclusive to females), there are people born with no ability to use magic that are referred to as “norma”. They are feared because they possess the ability to “break” people’s magic and seem to possess no magic themselves. These “norma” and stigmatized by society and sent to a remote island where they are trained to battle “Dragons”. They are viewed as “violent” and “dangerous” by society, which is a trait your dear princess believes. This is all about to change as it is revealed Ange is truly a norma which was hidden by her family and now exposed. Can Ange adapt to her new life as a norma or will she die trying?
My best word of advice is don’t take the first episode as a good marker for this show. In essence, this is a robot mecha girl show. The art struck me as very similar to Code Geass (which is a good thing) and really did like the character design. Their basic “school” outfits are cute, but clearly their mecha outfits are all fan service (which honestly bugged me from the start) and are just pure “ecchi”. The ending hints to a darker turn in the show, making friends, overcoming adversity, and probably love. You spend the first two episodes getting through her annoying process of changing from a princess and having to accept/value her current situation. I’d say half of it will run as a bit “standard introduction to the story” and the annoying “get overself” protagonist.
Minus the ecchi and semi-annoying starting feel for Ange, I do like the overall supporting cast, voice work, music, and animation. Usually if I can’t get into the animation, I can’t get into the show even if it’s bad. I feel Cross Ange will fall closer into this realm. I do sense Ange having a few personality changes and a lot of “change’ as the show develops, but there is hope. I do believe this show would need 24/26 episodes to do justice otherwise it will feel rushed and possibly incomplete (espcially with all the characters). Cliffhangning episodes will do more damage than good, but so far the anime runs as “potential”.
Overally if you can get past the its directly ecchi nature, you probably can enjoy the story and mecha nature. Seeing it is based on an island of woman, be prepared for a good dose of yuri as well. The clean animation and potential is a selling point for me. I can see myself enjoying this an hope that ecchi/yuri won’t be the only thing that attracts the crowd. For now if you want a colorful and well animated mecha, you may add this to your list.
Title: Daitoshokan no Hitsujikai
Genre: Romance / School
Preview: 6
Preview (By Dash):
Kyoutarou Kakei is your typical anti-social guy who’s passion is reading books and currently is the sole member of the Shiomi Academy Literary Club… who happens to sometimes get visions of the future. On opening day of his second year he has a vision of Tsugumi Shirasaki getting killed and intervenes to help her. Kyoutarou manages to save her, but in the process lands on her in a not so flattering way that leads into some comedy and addition of other members. Starting with Tsugumi (the girl who wants to create a club to make people happy) and the introverted Kyoutarou, they will be monitored along by the Shepard who is seeking his own replacement… Kyoutarou appears to be one of the leading candidates.
I wasn’t instantly pulled in by Daitoshokan no Hitsujikai (DNH) to be honest. Partially it was me thinking.. “another Literary Club Harem Anime?” and partially the very “blah” mood I have been in this year. Like many of the releases this season, animation and “tone” are big factors for my choices to pick up and watch. I have been in a “not so serious” mode and feel that Psycho Pass and Fate/Stay will more than satisfy those needs. That said, I was quite pleased by the end of the first episode with the pace.
The animation is clean and cute by design (to the point of simple for level of current animation). Although the girls aren’t at the “top of my list” by animation style, I have no qualms with their design nor look. The stabs of humor and traits of the whole cast do a pretty solid job and offsetting the personality of Kyoutarou early on. I can only hope he grows on me as the anime moves on or I don’t see my score changing too much minus “amazing” plot progression. It a took a while (aka virtually the end) to get any hint to the whole “Shepard” thing, but it seems to be enough of a driving force to keep you connected to the series (it reminded me a bit like the messages in Little Busters… just not as serious). The music is cute and light hearted; I would describe it as “Typical Anime” and doesn’t really stand out. I would define the casting as “fitting” and didn’t feel anyone really felt out of place (which does happen in JP dubs!).
All in all its an easy watch. Should the story turn like Little Busters… I may land up losing interest if I am not in the “mood” (granted Little Busters is a great anime). My hope it remains the semi-light hearted and cute anime that it started out as. I know the Shepard thing will pose some challenges, but so far I think it’s a clean watch for any fan of “Slice of Life/School/Club” type anime. As of standing, it’s not “ecchi” or “over the top” and pretty solid middle ground considering the amount of “moe” anime that came out this season.
Title: Trinity Seven
Genre: Action / Magic / Comedy / Harem
Preview Score: 8
Preview (by Dash):
Trinity Seven follows the life of Arata Kasuga. One day he is your normal high school boy and the next his world literally collapses with the loss of his cousin Hijiri. The reason? A magic known as “Collapse Phenomenon” destroys everything around him changing his life. The solution? Enroll in the Royal Biblia Academy for magic, learn to use said magic (with the help of his Grimoire), and return his cousin Hijiri. This all sounds simple, but he will need the help of the seven best students of the school known as the Trinity Seven (and it doesn’t hurt his case they are all beautiful young girls).
I was really excited to learn of Trinity Seven being animated. Harem anime is always hit and miss for me, but I love the character design and humor of TS (Boku no Tomodachi is an example of a show I love). I waited a few episodes before popping this on and I was not disappointed. A big strong point for me is the character of Arata. Unlike many harem leads, he is straight forward and determined (vs uncertain and whiney). He does share the “I’m game for anything” trait when it comes to girls you tend to get in the really ecchi protagonist (which is another hit or miss thing for me).
The female characters should satisfy most moe types you might dig, but my personal favorite is the ninja user Levi Kazama (and big props to Sakura, Ayane for the VA whom you know if you check out her VA bio). I really dig the animation/style chosen for each girl and I don’t really have a “dislike” for any character which usually happens during your harem type of shows. Currently I don’t have a “I wish she would be chosen” girl.
Overall, there are several sell points for me on this anime. The opening and ending themes are both pretty catchy. The plot of “new magic going out of control” isn’t a first, but seems a solid and interesting story. Overall it had a bit of a High School DxD feel, which is a good thing. Their uniforms and mangus forms are cute, I do hope to see some TS cosplay at cons. Add the fact I love Magic School based anime and Comedy, this equated a win (at least for now). Most everything I look for seems to be present when it comes to “watchability” and “Rewatchabitlity”. As of standing I have high hopes that Trinity Seven’s short run will be leaving me wanting more. If ecchi or harem aren’t your thing (even though it’s not as bad as many), I would stay away. Minus that, I think many people could find themselves getting into the magical world of Trinity Seven.
Title: Yuuki Yuuna wa Yuusha de Aru
Genre: Magical Girl
Preview Score: 6
Preview (by Dash):
Yuuki Yuuna wa Yuusha de Aru (YYYA) follows Yuuna and the members of the “Hero Club”. On any normal day they would spend their time trying to improve their town and school through positive acts. Unknown to them, the president Fuu submitted their registration to be part of team of potential heroes to fight for humanity vs unknown beings known as “Vertex”.
The first episode does a good job of pulling you in. You spend the first half seeing the “day to day” activities and personalities of each character and the club. You will quickly (at the same pace of the heroes to be), be pulled into the “alternate world” where they will learn to fight the Vertex as possible hero candidates.
I am not quite sure what got me on this one. The VA and character design met my “I will watch you standards”, which never hurts. The overall pace and feel of the anime had me going with the flow of the characters… but I think it’s the sudden animation and style change when they enter the alternate realm that sold it for me. I would also add the random comic inserts and overall personality of Yuuna did help. The transition in feel reminded me of a “not dark” version of Black Rock Shooter as you jump between worlds. I would point out their hero forms are pretty cool, especially Tomo’s.
The plot doesn’t seem to ring anything new once you start to learn about the inner workings, however at this point for anime it’s all about execution. Its currently only slotted for 12 episodes, which makes it feel it could be a bit rushed or pace just right. They will spend the first few episodes nudging at you to know each character and watch them transform in the hero inside (I know its cheesy). There is a good bit of the “friendship” and “how can I help” moments in this one, but the action and style in the alternate realm is worth holding out for. In a way this remind me of “Genei wo Kakeru Taiyou”, having all the key elements for a successful yet slightly more serious magical girl with the possibility of never catching on (which makes me sad).
Overall I am enjoying YYYA. The artwork and battle moments are enjoyable and visually pleasing. I honestly zoned a bit out on the music, so “no comment” as of now. The VA work seemed fitting and I found Yuuna a pleasant protagonist for follow. So far its “standard” in most ways “Magical Girl” genre wise and it’s true score is going to be based on final execution. As of now I would recommend picking up If you craving a Magical Girl Anime.
Mid Season Reviews for Summer 2014 – Fall 2014
Title: Akame ga Kill!
Genre: Action / Adventure / Fantasy
Preview Score: 7
Preview (By Dash):
Tatsumi has set out to the Central City to try to earn money to aid his struggling Village. He will be the first of three youngsters on their way with stars in their eyes of making it in the big city. Much to his dismay he learns very quickly about the darkness that consumes and “hides” within the city walls. On his first day he will have his money stolen from him… only to be rescued by a “kind” family. He learns that family is nothing more that high class people who look down upon others of poverty to the point of treating humans as swine (literally slaughtering and torturing them). He learns this on the night the group of assassin “Night Raid” come to kill the family. They reveal the darkness of the city and family. He learns the family has killed his other two friends for simple fun. He is now faced with a choice to abandon his dreams or join “Night Raid” in ridding the city of the evil and murderous darkness. The catch, Night Raid’s definition of “rid” is to assassinate such evil.
Akame ga Kill (AGK) will strike a fine in between of drama, action, and comedy at times. Do not let the easier style of animation fool you, as this is a dark and bloody anime holding nothing back in displaying just how grotesque and evil the city truly is. The action/gore factor struck me very close to Claymore or any other demon action related anime. As of now, AGK has won me over and I early await the next episode week to week.
The plot is a solid here, an evil Prime Minister who controls a child King to rule over the city and have his way no matter the cost or those affected. The issues of “vigilante” of justice vs “righteous” will be an ongoing theme throughout this anime (think Boondock Saints). Tatsumi will struggle with this matter as he has no problem is fighting the “good fight”, but at what point does the “assassination of evil” also turn the assassin (no matter the cause) evil as well. Each of the primary members of the Night Raid have their reasons for their actions which you will get slowly over the first leg of the anime and each reason proves a valid argument.
The character designs aren’t my favorite, but a few do earn some points (I love Akame). AGK reminded me a good bit of the High School of the Dead style (minus every female with overly large boobs). Each character (as of five episodes) is very well written for background and contribution (each possessing their own reason for fighting). The action and violence are very well done. The sequences are executed with an easy to follow flow of movement and weapon play (where many action anime can lose the viewer with lines and blurs). The overall background was balanced and clean, with no real faults during my screening. I loved the music, especially the opening theme (Skyreach by Sora Amamiya) which matches the anime very well. I would say the opening would give you a good gauge if this is anime/pace/character design you can see yourself getting into.
The overall plot has a lot going for it. Evil Prime minister, vigilante assassins, super weapons, and a country on the brink of civil war all add up to a great anime if they are executed correctly. So far AGK is on the right path. I have very little qualms in regards to the show, minus the slightly annoying character traits/animation style of Tatsumi (Leone’s character style isn’t exactly my favorite either, but her persona is very well articulated on a VA level). This show is pretty gritty holding nothing back when displaying how cruel the nature of the city is. I would warn anyone not keen on bloody violence to pick this one up. Honestly AGK has tons of room to just get better and is worth watching in my opinion. I feel “7” is a fair starting point grade for AGK which is scheduled to roll out 26 episodes through the Fall 2015 season. I have high hopes this very well paced, animated, and written story. Check out the first three episodes before making a judgment (unless you have moral issues with the actual layout).
Title: Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Crystal
Genre: Magical Girl
Preview Score: 8
Preview (By Dash):
Usagi Tsukino is a clumsy, crybaby, energetic, and sometimes annoying normal high school girl. While racing to school she stumbles upon a black cat named Luna. Later after school, Luna reveals to Usagi the power to transform her into Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon (albeit not really willingly). Her job is to assist Luna in finding the Silver Crystal (eventually with the help of other friends!). Usagi is now thrown into a battle with Queen Beryl and her Dark Kingdom! Can the clumsy Usagi unite the other scouts, find the crystal, and save the princess? Tune every two weeks for Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Crystal!
Sailor Moon holds a special place in my heart. Growing up as an avid “Get up at 5/6 AM and watch cartoons on Sat/Sunday morning” was a huge part of my childhood. Saturday would yield the standard “for kids” stuff, while Sunday (unknown to me) aired the more adult nature cartoons like on Sci-Fi or USA. Now what is important to understand is how old Sailor Moon really is. I started watching Sailor Moon (before Toonami) on FOX in the morning back in 1995. I had the pleasure of follow most of “Serena’s” journeys through the first original run (remember Dragonball did the same thing). When Toonami re-aired Sailor Moon in 2000 I was thrilled, being able to relive some of my favorite shows I grew up on and introducing the modern surge of anime we all know and love. With all of that said, Sailor Moon Crystal vs Sailor Moon needs some special notes before I break down this gem of nostalgia.
Sailor Moon Crystal strikes me a lot like Fate/Stay Revamp (Fall) and Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood. While both of the re-vamps are based on source material; they involve a lot of fine tuning, cleaner animation, new/redoing of voice work, and a cleaner cut story given from the creators themselves (vs what studios want). All these series had such an opportunity due to the level of respect each series commands and is a rare moment for almost any anime to see. This is not Dragonball KAI which simply cleaned up and formatted their super overdrawn out mega hit; this is a full reworking of a beloved series. SMC will fall victim to the “Compared to the Original” comparison, but please keep in mind that this is a manga written (style and story) twenty five years ago finally being re-vamped and released (it is still Sailor Moon).
That said, I was impressed with the new launch of SMC. A bubble of memories and excitement danced around inside me as I watched one of my favorite pastimes air before my eyes. If this was a “new” anime, it would clearly fall under “its ok” for the first episode (but it’s not). This is a story being retold and animated true to its roots from over twenty five years ago. This means the character design and story may not be “up to par / in style” with your modern magical girl looks. The toss of 90’s shoujo manga style is refreshing in its own right.
With this in mind, I enjoyed the new release of Sailor Moon Crystal from an animation stand point. The more “manga” like characters may be offsetting at first, but will hold a special place in the heart of avid Sailor Moon Fans. I am still in the middle about the added CGI effects, but I think that is a “time will tell” thing for me as of now. The background animation was clean and still true to the original, with no large noticeable changes in terms of style simply clarity and minor (but not much) detail. The background music remains pleasant and fitting (especially the short instrumental in the opening seconds). M. Clover Z’s new opening theme is catchy and fitting in my mind, I had no issues with the new introduction at all. I really hope that the opening is not touched in the dubbed version. The VA talent is a bit early to comment on as only a few voices are given dialogue in episode one. I feel once all of the scouts get their episode I can give a better judgment on how I feel with the new VA. I am happy that Mitsuishi, Kotono has retaken the Usagi role in the new Sailor Moon. It gives comforting base ground for a large fan base who grew up with her voicing with no need to adjust from the get go (and who would know the part better?). She also voices some of my favorites (Kanzaki, Urumi – GTO) & (Katsuragi, Misato – Evangelion). As of now, the overall design and talent is a win in my book.
Honestly the story of Sailor Moon… well is still Sailor Moon. Sailor Moon Stars remains my favorite installation of the series (which never saw light in the US). I didn’t expect anything from the story to change early on (although I look forward to the “we didn’t cute out stuff the studio wanted us to” take). Sailor Moon Crystal still runs as a typical magical girl when it comes to anime, but this pioneer is what really introduced the genre in the US (although there are some really classic ones you guys should look into to understand the genre). Much props for the “Sailor V Kick!”
All in all, if you have never watched Sailor Moon… this is a great opening point. The anime that made magical girl genre known in the US has been revamped into a well-oiled magical machine of shoujo doom. If you’re a fan of the old series, you now have a chance to wipe out some of the bad dubbing and issues that may have smeared the overflowing nostalgia that is Sailor Moon. One episode in and I actually have hopes for this reboot. Keep in mind folks that this one is only going to air two episodes a month for a total of twenty four; its fate after that point is unknown! So anyone looking for some good old memories to reawaken or love the magical girl genre may want to pick up and follow the clumsy scout that paved the way with love and friendship, Sailor Moon!
Title: Sirogane no Ishi: Argevollen
Genre: Military / Mecha
Preview Score: 4
Preview (By Dash):
The Kingdom of Arandas and the Countries Unification of Ingelmia have been at war for several years. The show starts as a stalemate is finally broken when the Great Wall which protects Arandas is finally penetrate allowing a push from the CUI. Sirogane no Ishi: Argevollen (SIA) follows a young rookie pilot (Tokimune, Susumu). Susumu is strong willed, reckless, and cares only for the “right thing” to do (yes there is some more to this later). The young pilot (against orders) rushes in to help a young civilian engineer (Jamie Hazaford) as she is being attacked and pursued by the CUI. Losing his mech, Jamie has him take control over the prototype Argevollen and battle off the forces. From this point on you will follow you Tokimune’s journey through the war between the Arandas and the CUI.
Honestly SIA showed a good bit of promise from the first few minutes of viewing. The animation seems clean and the mech animation (CGI based) seems to match up well considering there are various units and designs from over the time frame of the war. Every aspect seems to flow pretty well plot wise and the animation is nothing to disregard. I found a good balance in all aspects regarding plot, animation, VA, and music. There are ton of good factors that meet the measure for a solid anime, however its weak point is just so glaring the anime only has room to fall in my mind.
The big “I don’t want to keep watching factor” comes in once you get to know Tokimune. He is a head strong, doesn’t think of others, full of himself, quick tempered, childish, protagonist. To boot, he seems to be pretty emo when it comes to things and just rolls into a lump of “generic negative attributes” with very little positive personality traits that can win a crowd over. Everything about him screams noob and annoying to the point I want to delete this anime from existence. His very existence (at least this early in the show) is close to the sum of everything I despise in characters to the point of “do not watch.” The surrounding cast and even the plot seems solid, but his nature (remember he is central to this thing) is just over the top. I understand character growth and using the “dark/noob into skilled pilot” motif, but the need to scream at my monitor watching his dopey sad character is just too much.
I am five episodes into SIA and the redeeming qualities just can’t offset the protagonist. I honestly think I will drop this one unless the writers have a quick turn around on this childish immature character type. The bases are all covered when it comes to the military genre. Two warring sides, each with a secret agenda (Check). Several characters and personalities that can keep the flow of the anime up and help the protagonist learn to develop (Check). Music, animation, and VA quality all meet industry standards (Check). Everything seems green to me minus the very existence of Tokimune.
In the end Tokimune is the fault of this anime. Even if they “turn him around”, the inability for SIA to create a character that can pull in their audience early stands out like a dog crap in a Bed, Bath, and Beyond. Do I think he becomes “better” as the show goes on? Yes. Do I think this was addressed or adjusted for good pace and “favorability”? No. If the goal of SIA is for me to root for him to be killed off as soon as possible so I don’t have to deal with… mission accomplished. If I need to find myself rooting for him and the Ardanas forces is the goal… well they failed miserably. I honestly can’t get off his character to the point I honestly hate this anime. Compare this to the fact there are several other anime this season using a “similar” annoying starting protagonist (just not as whiney/emo/childish/horrid) and the fact there are so many other “quality” action anime to view… I simply say skip this. I feel sorry for everything that surrounds this story as it all seems to have so much upside. I rarely see an anime that can destroy itself with one character, congratulations SIA. Do yourself a favor and watch an anime like Aldanoah Zero, watch SIA simply if you want time to kill and someone to hate.