Saturday, May 23, 2009

Whoo



Out of all of the events in the Haruhi novels, "Bamboo Leaf Rhapsody" is the one I remember most clearly. This is partially due to the relative simplicity of the plot; compared to some of the contortions in later arcs, nothing much happens, but it's all rather straightforward. What I like about this particular story is how casually epic it is. Time travel stories tend to involve dramatic means of making the leap, whether it be via a machine or portal or device. Here, Kyon travels through time in the most mundane way possible. Yet at the same time he's given glimpses of the mind-boggling power that his associates wield. Finally, if I may lapse into sentimentality, there's the sense of destiny. Kyon's actions while time-traveling are integral to the present, a plot device that carries echoes of one of the most satisfying story arcs in Kimagure Orange Road. (And for that reason I think Kyon's real name is Kyousuke.) 

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I'm actually kind of glad it's taken this long to S2 to start: it's given me enough time to forget the details of the novels. Now I can enjoy the anime instead of getting bogged down in the details.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

this is an anime blog, amirite?

So they happen to have a Marshall amp sitting around, but no guitar? And what's the deal with the markup on sunburst patterns (in real life, not just anime)?

I haven't had time to watch any of this until now. It's OK, but I just realized that she's got a Mesousa face all the time. Add the chibi rendition, and, well... Perhaps Shinbo ran out of ideas for this one.

Rather well done, but is anyone going to finish subbing this?

Not really what I was expecting. With a title like Denpateki na Kanojo, I was thinking more along the lines of that girl from Fruits Basket. But no, this is a Serious Business serial murder mystery. High production values, as expected for an OVA. Overall impression: a little original, a little vague, a little cliché, with a nice twist. As consolation, I will accept violent imouto with spats.

Wow... I glad I decided to give this one a shot. Absolutely gorgeous, Madhouse. Pictures at an exhibition.  On the other hand, I'm not sure I want a future that involves self-aware Segways with arms. 

Hahaha, man, this stuff is funny.