Well guys, it’s that time again! Where Japan gives us a bunch of new series to watch and then we weed out the good from the bad. If you’re wondering about some good shows to watch, then never fear! We’re here with another Lilac’s Impressions for the Winter season! I have 10 series on my list and for the next few weeks, I’m going to be keeping track and letting you all know which ones I watched and my thoughts. At the end of a series 3rd episode, if they made it that far, they will get a pass or fail grade. The grade will be based on my personal opinion and enjoyment of what I’ve seen so far in the series. This week, all the series on my list have been released! And some are further along then others by the time of this post! So let’s dive right on in!
Amnesia
Episode 1
When I first looked at the listing for anime this season, Amnesia was high on my list. Brains Base is trying to do some new stuff since they had the popularity of Baccano and Durarara. But the downside is, the director is the same Witchblade. Granted I have not seen Witchblade, but I’ve heard enough about it to form a fairly decent opinion. But just by going off of the first episode, I’m pretty interested. A girl with amnesia plus a little spirit that caused it seems kinda fun. And the first episode just had a little bit of that mixed in with meeting our four male characters: Shin, Ikki, Ken, and Toma. Each are represented by a card suit and each are basically some sort of stereotype. The series hasn’t quite given me a reason to get all excited. At least not yet. But I do have high hopes for this series and can’t wait to give it another go!
Cuticle Detective Inaba
Episode 1
What in the hell did I just watch? I was kinda excited cause this one was from Zexcs and they did Say I love you last season, but.... I don’t even know anymore. First of all Inaba’s powers are weird as hell. Then the villain is a goat of all things. And then the humor isn’t really all that funny! The only point I’ll give the series is that it looks nice. But I can’t give it much more then that. The episode just went and dragged on and on and I was just glad it ended. I’m never going through that again.....
Encouragement of Climb
Episode 1 & 2
Encouragement of Climb is one of SEVERAL short series this season. Not the 12-13 kind either. The 3-5 minutes and episode kind. But out of the many that are airing this season, Encouragement of Climb seemed like the most interesting. But I really really wish this was an actual series with 20 minute episodes! Cause I just want more! It feels so weird not having that long of episodes. With Hetalia it worked cause it was just a bunch of random moments, but with Encouragement of Climb it’s harder cause there’s a story attached to it. The story has been cute and heartwarming so far and it’s different from a lot of Slice of Life shows I’ve seen. This one might make it through to the end of the Impressions only because it’s short episodes that I can breeze through. But we shall see.
Hakkenden: Eight Dogs of the East
Episode 1
I have to admit something. I like Studio Deen. I like Hell Girl, Fruits Basket, Higurashi, Umineko, etc, etc. Hell, Vampire Knight is one of my guilty pleasures! So when I saw Studio Deen attached to this one, I was curious. But, I’m not sure how to make of it. The plot isn’t 100% clear from the start and the episode just kind of went and rushed itself in order for it to get it really started. I think the idea of the series is okay, but it hasn’t been anything to write home about. I’m tempted to drop it right now, but I’m gonna stick it out one more episode. I’m hoping the pacing problems were just with the first episode and won’t continue on. Besides, I needs me some Shoujo every now and again to keep calling myself a girl.
Maoyuu Maou Yuusha
Episode 1 & 2
First of all, this one is studio Arms. If you don’t know who Arms is, then good on you. But if you've seen Elfen Lied, Ikkitousen, or Kite then you are screwed. Normally, Arms is well known for Elfen Lied and all the Hentai they produce. So when I initially looked at this series, I skipped over it because of the Studio. But then I heard the little fact that the Director of Maoyuu also directed Spice and Wolf. Granted, I have not seen all of Spice and Wolf but from the amount I saw, I did like it. So I decided to give Maoyuu a chance. As of right now, I’m liking what I’m seeing. It’s rather familiar territory for the Director since it has both demons and economics involved in it. And the fan service isn’t distasteful and is only limited to our lovely Demon King. I’m starting to believe Arms can branch out more with their work, and this series might just be the starting point. Granted, the love story was extremely sudden. But the characters more then make up for it with their witty dialogue and personalities. Let’s see if they can keep it up!
Oreshura
Episode 1 & 2
Coming off of Sword Art Online, A-1 Pictures has some major ground to cover since SAO, in my opinion, was basically a mess of a show. So far, they’re making strides with From the New World from last season. But it’s time to see what they have in store for us this time with Oreshura. And I have to say, so far so good. The story is pretty interesting what with this girl coming in and making someone their boyfriend because she has his journal. She’s a real conniving bitch, and it’s a lot of fun to watch! Then there’s a couple references here and there. One of the most memorable is talking about Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure in episode 2. For now, this series is passing with flying colors. As long as A-1 doesn’t screw this one up, then we’re golden!
Sasami-san Ganbarana
Episode 1
When I saw the word hikikomori in the discerption of this series, I had sudden flashbacks of Welcome to the NHK. Then you add in the same studio that did Madoka Magica and Zetsubou Sensei PLUS the director as the above mentioned series then I’m sold! The art style is rather remnanencent of Madoka Magica and Zetsubou Sensei which seems to be a trademark of Shaft to create very stylized series. As for the episode I watched, I am instantly hooked! This series may have become my favorite of the season! However, we will have to see where it goes. The humor is there and the characters are enjoyable, however I’m not sure if there’s a story yet or if it wants to be episodic. Guess we’ll have to wait and see!
Tamako Market
Episode 1
Well, time for the token KyoAni series of the season! And this one pretty much has the production team as K-On..... Oh geez. But amidst all the Mochi making and the talking bird, I found the first episode okay. I’m not 100% sure of how to make the series. After watching a decent amount of good series, this one just feels bland to me. The only redeeming quality I can think of is the talking bird. I think part of my worries are that it’s from the same team as K-On that it’ll just be a whole lot of nothing again. I want to give it a second episode to see if it gets better, but since I have a bunch of series and not a lot of time, I’ll have to skip out on more Tamako Market. Sorry KyoAni, this season isn’t gonna work for me.
Vivdred Operation
Episode 1
I’ve never been much of a Sentai person. I barely watched Power Rangers, and I get overly confused sometimes while visiting the Sentai Sunday stream. But I’m more then willing to give it a shot. When I heard about Vividred Operation coming out, I thought why not give an anime version of the Sentai world a try? The only thing I knew going into it was there would be a lot of panty shots courtesy of the staff of Strike Witches. But, for a first episode, it does have me curious for more. I’ve been able to over look the many many butt shots so far, and I’m hoping I can keep that up. My only worry is the story is going way to fast for a first episode. I will say I do like the call back to some of the Power Ranger things I did see as a kid. Let’s see if it can hold up next week.
Zettai Karen Children: The Unlimited
Episode 1
I’m going to make one thing clear. I never saw the original Zettai Karen Children series. I never even heard of it till I listened to Podtaku recently. I’ve been told the original was more of a comedy and this one is supposed to be a darker twist. Well, they got the darker twist right that’s for sure. But since this is coming from Manglobe, I’m not all that surprised. Manglobe has been on a role recently with Deadman Wonderland, The World God Only Knows, and Samurai Champloo. But for Zettai, I’m wondering if it’s going to be different then the standard action series we’ve seen as of late. With the idea of Andy infiltrating P.A.N.D.R.A. it seems like a nice starting point, but I’m making a guess right now that he ends up as one of them in the end. Guess we shall see. For now, I’ll give it another episode and see where it goes. Hopefully it gets better, cause I would like this to be my big action series this season.
Well, we’re one week down with two more to go! Next week, we give some final judgements to three of our ten series and then we give the other five another chance to shine! If you have any thoughts on these series or any you’re watching this season, then leave me a comment down below!
Until next time, otaku on my friends!
No comments:
Post a Comment