[D'rek]

 Dolmen 2.0, on 27 April 2017 - 02:02 AM, said:

I really really hope season 2 introduces the demonlord to be as hilarious as his generals have been. The show has had a mildly good set of antagonists but the set up is primed for the introduction of a really great one. We've seen anime do some good stuff subverting the idea of a demon lord ie Hataraku Maou-Sama I think Konosuba will take that idea and run with it. I'm eagerly hoping for a third season.

The proper Hero guy they ran into seemed to be pretty traditional/serious. Might be that the evil lord is in fact rather serious, too, but all his minions are jokey and incompetent. Then again, the guy at the end of S2 was funny, but not exactly incompetent... who knows. From source-reader comments, it seems like the series is fairly long, though. I doubt even if we got a 3rd and 4th season we'd see the demon king.

 Silencer, on 27 April 2017 - 12:10 AM, said:

Now, what to watch next...

Well, it seems like you missed most everything from the past 3 years... so what are you in the mood for?

[Silencer]

 D, on 27 April 2017 - 04:26 PM, said:

 Dolmen 2.0, on 27 April 2017 - 02:02 AM, said:

I really really hope season 2 introduces the demonlord to be as hilarious as his generals have been. The show has had a mildly good set of antagonists but the set up is primed for the introduction of a really great one. We've seen anime do some good stuff subverting the idea of a demon lord ie Hataraku Maou-Sama I think Konosuba will take that idea and run with it. I'm eagerly hoping for a third season.

The proper Hero guy they ran into seemed to be pretty traditional/serious. Might be that the evil lord is in fact rather serious, too, but all his minions are jokey and incompetent. Then again, the guy at the end of S2 was funny, but not exactly incompetent... who knows. From source-reader comments, it seems like the series is fairly long, though. I doubt even if we got a 3rd and 4th season we'd see the demon king.

 Silencer, on 27 April 2017 - 12:10 AM, said:

Now, what to watch next...

Well, it seems like you missed most everything from the past 3 years... so what are you in the mood for?

Now that is a good question. XD

And yeah, considering I've missed so much, it's like choice overload. I think I've probably done enough light comedies for now, so I'm thinking something that's a bit more plot-and-or-action heavy. If I don't end up picking something soon I'm just going to go back to rewatching old shows, and that would be bad. XD



RE: KonoSuba - yeah, I had a feeling it had plenty of source material to draw from. Given we're not really told how many commanders the Demon King has, or what exactly is required to take him on, it could be nearly indefinite. No reason the anime can't compact things, of course.

[Dolmen 2.0]

Might I suggest a start at My hero Academia Season 1(2016)?

Season 2 has yet to disappoint (Top 3 airing currently on MAL and Kissanime) and Season 1 was tons of fun.

Also if you haven't already watched it twice One-punch Man(2015) is like the course reader for 2016-2017 Anime.


Those aside I think the standout anime series I've watched recently were:

Kara no Kyoukai (2013)
Gorey but there was depth to it? Also I liked the idea of a murderous antagonist turned protagonist.

Hai to Gensou no Grimgar from (2016)
Beautiful work, meaningful moment to moment scenes, almost 0 exposition and 85% immersion.

Mob Psycho 100 (2016)
If you like shounen and Onepunch man but can stand less epic art and as good animation...

Shokugeki no Souma: Ni no Sara (2016)
Food with more than the occasional anologues to having relations.

Koutetsujou no Kabaneri(2016)
Zombies, in the Showa Era with Steam Punk. Good stuff.

Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu(2016)
Very interesting character development. Time-skip shenanigans, dragons and maids, tough ones.

This post has been edited by Dolmen 2.0: 28 April 2017 - 07:56 AM

[LinearPhilosopher]

 Dolmen 2.0, on 28 April 2017 - 07:54 AM, said:

Might I suggest a start at My hero Academia Season 1(2016)?

Season 2 has yet to disappoint (Top 3 airing currently on MAL and Kissanime) and Season 1 was tons of fun.

Also if you haven't already watched it twice One-punch Man(2015) is like the course reader for 2016-2017 Anime.


Those aside I think the standout anime series I've watched recently were:

Kara no Kyoukai (2013)
Gorey but there was depth to it? Also I liked the idea of a murderous antagonist turned protagonist.

Hai to Gensou no Grimgar from (2016)
Beautiful work, meaningful moment to moment scenes, almost 0 exposition and 85% immersion.

Mob Psycho 100 (2016)
If you like shounen and Onepunch man but can stand less epic art and as good animation...

Shokugeki no Souma: Ni no Sara (2016)
Food with more than the occasional anologues to having relations.

Koutetsujou no Kabaneri(2016)
Zombies, in the Showa Era with Steam Punk. Good stuff.

Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu(2016)
Very interesting character development. Time-skip shenanigans, dragons and maids, tough ones.

Many good suggestions

Start with the really good shows first, work your way down, so re zero, kara no kyoukai,one punch man are good starting places


Also now watched ep4 of KADO.

This is my favourite of the season, AOT can blow me. I am thrilled at each and every momenet to see what happens next, this is what thrilling drama is all about!

This post has been edited by LinearPhilosopher: 28 April 2017 - 11:43 PM

[D'rek]

Yeah, what they said. If that's still too much choice, go with Re:Zero, it's very plot-heavy. Be warned that it's one of those just-adapting-the-first-chapters-then-stops shows, but it's still worth watching despite not getting a final climax that wraps up all the plotlines. The characters are also really LN-tropey, but the plot is different enough that I don't think it will be a problem for you.

I would almost say try Kabaneri before Re:Zero because of that... but Re:Zero gets better as the show progresses, while Kabaneri starts out amazing but the plot gets worse as it goes along, so if you aren't turned off outright by Re:Zero I think you'll have a better overall time with it.


Also, when it is eventually time for some more light, non-action material, you missed the amazingly funny Disastrous Life of Saiki Kusuo and the adorable high school girls slice-of-life Gakkou Gurashi (School Live!).

[Maark Abbott]

Been a while since my last check in. When the forum servers moved I wasn't able to access this site at work any more.

Clockwork Planet has been good so far. Very much a passably decent core of OK characters and thin/predictable story saved by an excellent soundtrack.It's enjoyable enough which pulls it back.

Picked up Akashic Records of Bastard Magical Instructor. Beyond that the uniforms look like bastardised NOL uniforms (see Blazblue) which have been made skimpy cause FANSERVICE, it's actually been good so far and the main character steals every scene he comes into. The humour is spot on, too.

Berserk S2 has been a bit of a slow start, and occasionally the animation is inconsistent (Guts is talking without his prosthetic on one second, then next scene he's wearing it). Hopefully it picks up because S1 was great.

AOTS2 is following the manga very, very closely. I'm enjoying the fact that the episodes so far are fleshing out soon-to-be major character stories as well.

Granblue Fantasy has been serviceable as well so far - enjoyable, though the MC being such a white knight is kind of tiring after a while. I'm hoping the last episode is setting the larger story up because it needs it right now.

[LinearPhilosopher]

another week of anime done.

Gao-something something: Chinese esport anime: Its entertaining thus far, MC is a gary stu type but not the annoying preaching save the world kind of gary stu. More like hes just really good at games (slightly autistic as well)

Kado: This gets my anime of the season award and its only 5 episodes in. The execution of the premise is flawless and you are kept on your toes with where they decide to go. An excellent show where violence is not needed to have an engaging plot.

AOT: Liking season 2 so far, we've learn considerably more in the last few episodes than in most of s1, liking how we are seing more characters flesh out. I am tempted to get on the manga bandwagon, just after the season ends.

Recreators: Not a bad show, its quite engaging thus far.

japanese something something zero: Shows been heartwarming thus far. The two leads have fantastic natural chemistry together. eager to see where this goes.

[Silencer]

I may have to check out Kado.

In other news, I have decided to give Grimgar and RE:Zero a try. I attempted to watch some Kabaneri before and honestly the art style and the main character bugged me. I may try again at some point but it didn't seem like it was going to get any better, despite the relative creativity of the setting. (Dammit, I *want* awesome steampunk zombie action!)

[Dolmen 2.0]

Kado is good.

Nice recco LP.

Just watched first two episodes. Its great first contact type stuff.

Lots of interesting science around the actual vessel.I like it, not sure if i'd call it top contender for the season but that''s more in terms of the animation style and i haven't really watched that much to judge yet. The above is more of a first impression. Pace, plot and cast are all quite interesting at this point. The tale and dialogue is everything here so im gonna try catch up the remaining episodes, get a better feel for everyone. it might take Gran blues spot in my rotation.

Catching up on Haikyuu!!, Mirai Nikki, The end of Youjo shoujo and some of the Monogatari episodes I missed. I was gonna run a catch up this weekend on Shingeki S2 by all accounts, so far its been great, but I just hate cliffhangers. Gonna give it the space I originally thought to give it. Binge it towards the end of the cour.

[Maark Abbott]

 LinearPhilosopher, on 08 May 2017 - 03:22 AM, said:

another week of anime done.

Gao-something something: Chinese esport anime: Its entertaining thus far, MC is a gary stu type but not the annoying preaching save the world kind of gary stu. More like hes just really good at games (slightly autistic as well)

Kado: This gets my anime of the season award and its only 5 episodes in. The execution of the premise is flawless and you are kept on your toes with where they decide to go. An excellent show where violence is not needed to have an engaging plot.

AOT: Liking season 2 so far, we've learn considerably more in the last few episodes than in most of s1, liking how we are seing more characters flesh out. I am tempted to get on the manga bandwagon, just after the season ends.

Recreators: Not a bad show, its quite engaging thus far.

japanese something something zero: Shows been heartwarming thus far. The two leads have fantastic natural chemistry together. eager to see where this goes.

Issue 21 of the AOT Manga explains the ENTIRE GODDAMN PLOT. Without massive fucking spoilers I can't say anything more beyond that everything sort of clicks into place in this one.

[LinearPhilosopher]

 Maark Abbott, on 09 May 2017 - 07:50 AM, said:

 LinearPhilosopher, on 08 May 2017 - 03:22 AM, said:

another week of anime done.

Gao-something something: Chinese esport anime: Its entertaining thus far, MC is a gary stu type but not the annoying preaching save the world kind of gary stu. More like hes just really good at games (slightly autistic as well)

Kado: This gets my anime of the season award and its only 5 episodes in. The execution of the premise is flawless and you are kept on your toes with where they decide to go. An excellent show where violence is not needed to have an engaging plot.

AOT: Liking season 2 so far, we've learn considerably more in the last few episodes than in most of s1, liking how we are seing more characters flesh out. I am tempted to get on the manga bandwagon, just after the season ends.

Recreators: Not a bad show, its quite engaging thus far.

japanese something something zero: Shows been heartwarming thus far. The two leads have fantastic natural chemistry together. eager to see where this goes.

Issue 21 of the AOT Manga explains the ENTIRE GODDAMN PLOT. Without massive fucking spoilers I can't say anything more beyond that everything sort of clicks into place in this one.

21 got it, where in the manga is the show currently?

[Maark Abbott]

 LinearPhilosopher, on 09 May 2017 - 11:24 PM, said:

 Maark Abbott, on 09 May 2017 - 07:50 AM, said:

 LinearPhilosopher, on 08 May 2017 - 03:22 AM, said:

another week of anime done.

Gao-something something: Chinese esport anime: Its entertaining thus far, MC is a gary stu type but not the annoying preaching save the world kind of gary stu. More like hes just really good at games (slightly autistic as well)

Kado: This gets my anime of the season award and its only 5 episodes in. The execution of the premise is flawless and you are kept on your toes with where they decide to go. An excellent show where violence is not needed to have an engaging plot.

AOT: Liking season 2 so far, we've learn considerably more in the last few episodes than in most of s1, liking how we are seing more characters flesh out. I am tempted to get on the manga bandwagon, just after the season ends.

Recreators: Not a bad show, its quite engaging thus far.

japanese something something zero: Shows been heartwarming thus far. The two leads have fantastic natural chemistry together. eager to see where this goes.

Issue 21 of the AOT Manga explains the ENTIRE GODDAMN PLOT. Without massive fucking spoilers I can't say anything more beyond that everything sort of clicks into place in this one.

21 got it, where in the manga is the show currently?

Without digging the box out from under my bed, I think it's issue 11. I'm imagining that the season will end before the current arc the manga is on.

[LinearPhilosopher]

 Maark Abbott, on 12 May 2017 - 05:51 AM, said:

 LinearPhilosopher, on 09 May 2017 - 11:24 PM, said:

 Maark Abbott, on 09 May 2017 - 07:50 AM, said:

 LinearPhilosopher, on 08 May 2017 - 03:22 AM, said:

another week of anime done.

Gao-something something: Chinese esport anime: Its entertaining thus far, MC is a gary stu type but not the annoying preaching save the world kind of gary stu. More like hes just really good at games (slightly autistic as well)

Kado: This gets my anime of the season award and its only 5 episodes in. The execution of the premise is flawless and you are kept on your toes with where they decide to go. An excellent show where violence is not needed to have an engaging plot.

AOT: Liking season 2 so far, we've learn considerably more in the last few episodes than in most of s1, liking how we are seing more characters flesh out. I am tempted to get on the manga bandwagon, just after the season ends.

Recreators: Not a bad show, its quite engaging thus far.

japanese something something zero: Shows been heartwarming thus far. The two leads have fantastic natural chemistry together. eager to see where this goes.

Issue 21 of the AOT Manga explains the ENTIRE GODDAMN PLOT. Without massive fucking spoilers I can't say anything more beyond that everything sort of clicks into place in this one.

21 got it, where in the manga is the show currently?

Without digging the box out from under my bed, I think it's issue 11. I'm imagining that the season will end before the current arc the manga is on.

if you can get back to me before the end of the current season thatd be great

[Maark Abbott]

Well based on the current pacing I imagine that HECKING BIG SPOILER BELOW (seriously this is major fucking spoiler stuff so open at your peril)

Spoiler

the currentseason will end after Levi's adopted father is contracted to kill the Survey Corps but fails, and when Historia defies her father to give Eren the Coordinate rather than killing him.

.

My current roundup (sorry I'm inactive, I can't access ME at work since the server change):

Warau Salesman: Continues to be entertaining in a bleak, blackhearted sort of way. Some of Moguro's actions just seem plain malicious rather than making people deal with their own folly now though, and that weakens the character somewhat.

Akashic Records: Glad I picked this up. Despite this week seeming like a filler episode, it's funny but with enough action and drama to retain my interest.

Clockwork Planet is still going with the slow setup; I can't help but hope that it's longer than a 12-ep run or we'll not see much real storyline.

Berserk: It was nice to have an action heavy episode after a few that were mostly walk and talk. Still waiting to see Guts really let loose.

AoT continues to impress with its faithfulness to the source material. Not much more to say there.

[LinearPhilosopher]

Kado is good

Its also the only show ive made time for, behind on everything else...


CPA+COSPLAY+WORK

RIP anime

[D'rek]

I watched Koe no Katachi, and Silencer's review/critique above is right on the money. A lot of the depiction of personalities, bullying, narcissism, etc is really good, but the whole thing suffers from scenes and events not flowing together and characters saying too little (often substituted just by over-apologizing)... it's hard to take the main character's redemption efforts seriously when so much of the dialogue is truncated and makes his efforts seem rather disingenuous.

Spoiler

I really didn't feel like there was much of a resolution to any of it. Ueno especially has been shown to still be spiteful and toxic in the "present", and there's no comeuppance, no signs of that changing, but she's still part of Ishida's montage of friend thoughts that make him happy at the end... why? This really waters down any sort of central theme or message the movie is trying to deliver. The way they leave it, apparently Nishiyama can't be enough to make Ishida happy alone, instead he needs toxic, unrepentant middle school friends to be happy somehow? Dumb. They either needed to have some actual resolution to Ueno (and more from Kawai, perhaps) or else Ishida's revelation at the end should have been focused solely on Nishiyama.

There's just too much of a sense of "Ishida and Nishiyama would have been even happier if they had simply moved on and never reconnected with Ueno/Kawai". Ishida gets over his suicidal thoughts at the very start, and the movie doesn't give any indication that he's still feeling that way until all these returning middle-school figures bring it up, after all.

As Silencer mentioned, the visuals were good, but nothing that really jumped out as particularly breathtaking. KyoAni has made prettier TV shows than this film.

Voice acting was pretty good. Music, cinematography, etc, nothing particularly notable IMO.

So, it's not bad, per se, but much more a case of many good moments, but the overall package has issues.

Reminds me of Re:Life a lot (though that show was far more comedy).

[LinearPhilosopher]

Finally caught up on all my seasonal shows

Im thinking of starting a new show.

Not sure which though.

Hero Academia
Erased
Your lie in april
Yuyu Hakusho
monster

Thoughts?

[D'rek]

Depends what you're in the mood for, I guess?

A lot of people really like YLIA and Hero Academia, but IMO they're both entertaining at times but not that great, just 'okay' (YLIA can't figure out what plot it wants to focus on, HA always makes the MC win by having the other characters be stupid).

Erased apparently starts out really great but changes halfway through? I haven't seen it but the overall fandom seemed to turn against it midway through the season and now actively dislikes it.

Monster is slow but really good.

I don't know anything about Yu Yu Hakusho other than it being a classic early 90s action series.


I'd say go with Monster or YYH.

[Silencer]

 D, on 21 May 2017 - 08:01 PM, said:

I watched Koe no Katachi, and Silencer's review/critique above is right on the money. A lot of the depiction of personalities, bullying, narcissism, etc is really good, but the whole thing suffers from scenes and events not flowing together and characters saying too little (often substituted just by over-apologizing)... it's hard to take the main character's redemption efforts seriously when so much of the dialogue is truncated and makes his efforts seem rather disingenuous.

Spoiler

I really didn't feel like there was much of a resolution to any of it. Ueno especially has been shown to still be spiteful and toxic in the "present", and there's no comeuppance, no signs of that changing, but she's still part of Ishida's montage of friend thoughts that make him happy at the end... why? This really waters down any sort of central theme or message the movie is trying to deliver. The way they leave it, apparently Nishiyama can't be enough to make Ishida happy alone, instead he needs toxic, unrepentant middle school friends to be happy somehow? Dumb. They either needed to have some actual resolution to Ueno (and more from Kawai, perhaps) or else Ishida's revelation at the end should have been focused solely on Nishiyama.

There's just too much of a sense of "Ishida and Nishiyama would have been even happier if they had simply moved on and never reconnected with Ueno/Kawai". Ishida gets over his suicidal thoughts at the very start, and the movie doesn't give any indication that he's still feeling that way until all these returning middle-school figures bring it up, after all.

As Silencer mentioned, the visuals were good, but nothing that really jumped out as particularly breathtaking. KyoAni has made prettier TV shows than this film.

Voice acting was pretty good. Music, cinematography, etc, nothing particularly notable IMO.

So, it's not bad, per se, but much more a case of many good moments, but the overall package has issues.

Reminds me of Re:Life a lot (though that show was far more comedy).

Oh good, I'm super glad I wasn't the only one with that take-away. I figured I might have been unduly harsh on it, and I didn't get an opportunity to rewatch it, but it's reassuring to know that my first impression was on-point. XD

I do really wonder if the manga fixes a lot of the flow and development issues, though.

[D'rek]

 Silencer, on 22 May 2017 - 09:26 AM, said:

I do really wonder if the manga fixes a lot of the flow and development issues, though.

Reading the Wikipedia synopses, I would guess that that is indeed the case. The character/plot summaries for the manga seem to present a more structured narrative, with a whole extra epilogue set several years later and several developments in the secondary characters that weren't in the movie.

(Though it sounds like the characters in the manga are just as horrible, perhaps even more so, so don't expect *that* aspect to be any different!)