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What are you watching right now? Why? (please read 1st post)


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DuskyPredator



Joined: 10 Mar 2009
Posts: 15546
Location: Brisbane, Australia
PostPosted: Thu Jun 28, 2018 5:54 am Reply with quote
Yeah, I meant outsiders. I must be tired.
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Gina Szanboti



Joined: 03 Aug 2008
Posts: 11527
PostPosted: Thu Jun 28, 2018 9:28 am Reply with quote
Wow, I just watched the finale of Butlers x Battlers and holy crap, I think Episode 11 of Wizard Barristers just got some competition for most bizarrely animated rush job. Shocked Loooong holds on static shots, multiple close-ups on eyes, one right after another, reused stills (regardless of what was going on in the previous shot), reused animation, missing in-betweens... just a total mess. I wonder what the hell happened. They'd been doing fairly well up until then.

The series was ok, I guess. Kinda melodramatic, but the eye candy was passable.
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Bento-Box



Joined: 08 Sep 2009
Posts: 1049
Location: Florida
PostPosted: Fri Jun 29, 2018 11:06 pm Reply with quote
I'm watching a whole mess of things and it's only about to increase with the summer season coming up. What I pick up for summer will be 100% dependent on what I can get legally so... I'll hold off on that until I figure out what I'm doing. Anime hyper I'm going to just apologize in advance for the length of this post...

Thunderbolt Fantasy was recommended to me by one of my Twitch followers and die hard fans so I'm checking that out. The puppet thing really isn't my cup of tea, but it's definitely fascinating. I can appreciate this as an artist, but I don't think the story is going to hold me. Giving it three episodes to hook. If you haven't seen this series but you'd like to see what it's about or get an idea of the craftsmanship and work that goes into it, there's an Episode 0 up on Crunchyroll and it is fascinating!

I also picked up Space Battleship Tiramisu on a recommendation. Not liking that. I'm on episode five and I really don't see much motivation in returning to it, sadly. I thought a nice mecha spoof would be right up my alley, but I'm gravely disappointed. What's worse than the disappointment is that I can't figure out exactly why I feel that way about it. The series is just not impressing me and the humor is falling flat (especially following Hinamatsuri).

I've been watching... Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Masters. I feel shame in saying that I've remotely enjoyed it until I got to a twenty-four episode filler arc. I was not amused. After they finish the Battle City Arc, I'm probably going to drop out. The series has been fun, but there's just too much filler for me and it looks like that's not going to change.

Kakegurui was a bit disappointing as well. I went into it hoping for something more than just agehao faces, but I was gravely mistaken. It's been like gore porn without the gore. It's strange and weird and I just don't like it. Although, that animation is beautiful at times. Love me some MAPPA. Watched three episodes and dropped it.

Watched all of Crossing Time which is just a bunch of ~3 minute shorts for twelve episodes. Found this average and forgettable, but amusing for a quick watch. The jokes were fun and fresh (especially the brother/sister episode) but I thought I was going to get more unique crosswalks. I know! That sounds like an odd complaint but... I guess Rail Wars spoiled me.

Started Grimoire of Zero with my husband on Amazon Prime. I don't particularly care for it because the characters feel like modern characters thrown back into a fantasy setting. From the way they talk and banter to the references they make to modern objects like a dakimakura, I just have a hard time enjoying it. That being said, I'm really enjoying what I'm getting of the world building around episodes three and four. It feels a little on the generic side, but since my husband's enjoying it, I'll keep at it.

I'm picking up Re:Creators because I have a commission for a character from it and I like to be familiar with what I'm drawing. I like the premise because it's not the same "I'm in a different universe now!" shtick. I'm just wondering if all the action and antics will hold my attention or if the tropes will feel stale after a few more episodes...

Like the rest of the world, I'm watching Darling In The Franxx and loving it. I'm also current with Full Metal Panic IV which is ripping my heart out, and My Hero Academia which has not disappointed since what I call the "Free" episode (the pool one at the start of S3).

I just finished Hinamatsuri and loved it. I adore every character in that series and love the changes to the intro and ending. Megalobox was exactly what I expected it to be in the end, even if it didn't play out exactly like how I thought, so it's a bit of a downer but I enjoyed the ride. I do not think it's the "masterpiece" that it was hyped up to be. Sure, it had a classic feel to it, but I can't see a high re-watch value in it nor did it really do anything new or groundbreaking (aside from how it was made.

I think my biggest disappointment, however, was with Card Captor Sakura: The Clear Card Arc. I have a million gripes about the season and will hold my salt for that specific thread. But I will say this. That season played way too hard on nostalgia and poor Kero's tiny shoulders to carry it through what should have been about twelve episodes. spoiler[I should not be watching the characters watching prior footage of the series. Seriously.]

The best thing I've watched recently is The Place Further Than The Universe. Yeah, I was late to the game and just finished it today. WOW! Not only was it beautiful to look at, it was a beautiful, warm, loving story that made me fall head over heels for every character. I could spend all night typing up how much I loved it and why, but I'll spare you. It was just incredible and if you haven't seen it yet, you should. I think I have something new for my top twenty.
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DuskyPredator



Joined: 10 Mar 2009
Posts: 15546
Location: Brisbane, Australia
PostPosted: Fri Jun 29, 2018 11:28 pm Reply with quote
I think that A Place Further Than The Universe has managed to keep its place so far as the best show of the year, least through the spring season, with Hinamatsuri managing to be the best of Spring, otherwise. I am happy that someone else is enjoying Darling In The Franxx, as it feels like negative opinions of it have only gotten larger, but I have had a good time with it.
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Bento-Box



Joined: 08 Sep 2009
Posts: 1049
Location: Florida
PostPosted: Fri Jun 29, 2018 11:43 pm Reply with quote
DuskyPredator wrote:
I am happy that someone else is enjoying Darling In The Franxx, as it feels like negative opinions of it have only gotten larger, but I have had a good time with it.


I've also noticed some general dislike of the series now that it's run its course. But I kinda expected that given how popular it is (and was always going to be). Some people just want to offer contrary opinions for the sake of it. But... I've seen things saying that they destroyed the narrative and such. I disagree. I appreciate a well constructed argument against the series, but most of the ones I've seen have had gaping holes in them.

While I see a lot of negative talk online (namely from prominent YouTubers), I find TONS of love for the series at conventions. It's really resonating with most of the convention-goers. It's that and My Hero Academia EVERYWHERE. So, even if, at the end of the day, the series has issues (which I don't really think that it does...), it is accomplishing its goal of being memorable and lasting. It has made an impression, sparked conversation, etc. Which is exactly what you'd want art to do in the first place. Very Happy

PS - I love the series so much and am glad you do too! Anime hyper Here's hoping for a solid ending!
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Joshua Zarate



Joined: 12 Jan 2017
Posts: 2062
PostPosted: Fri Jun 29, 2018 11:47 pm Reply with quote
@ Bento-Box - I would like to think that the overall strangeness and weirdness of Kakegurui is a part, but not the whole picture, of what makes its’ intended audience view it as a positive. Every character in that series has something crazy going on in their heads and actions, so the blatant over-the-topness of the meat of the series, the gambling matches, while certainly won’t appeal to everyone, has more going for it than just agahao faces, at least past the beginning episodes. Just my two cents.
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Bento-Box



Joined: 08 Sep 2009
Posts: 1049
Location: Florida
PostPosted: Fri Jun 29, 2018 11:53 pm Reply with quote
Joshua Zarate wrote:
@ Bento-Box - I would like to think that the overall strangeness and weirdness of Kakegurui is a part, but not the whole picture, of what makes its’ intended audience view it as a positive.


I agree with you 100% on this! Very Happy

Quote:
Every character in that series has something crazy going on in their heads and actions, so the blatant over-the-topness of the meat of the series, the gambling matches, while certainly won’t appeal to everyone, has more going for it than just agahao faces, at least past the beginning episodes.


I'm with you here as well. The agahao faces were just everywhere during the episodes that I saw so it's just my assumption that they're a staple and will continue past the first three episodes. I do love that every character had their own crazy motivations, etc. but the over the top animation especially for the agahao style faces was a bit much for me. Maybe I'm just getting old. Wink I could see my younger self really enjoying this series.
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DuskyPredator



Joined: 10 Mar 2009
Posts: 15546
Location: Brisbane, Australia
PostPosted: Sat Jun 30, 2018 12:26 am Reply with quote
I think that Kakegurui really revelled in being uncomfortable, in being a show of human vices, how they can be destructive, but an excitement of life. Sex was clearly connected to gambling, but really sort of becomes a high on life sort of thing, and I think my favourite parts would probably be how the heroine kind of throws thing back into the faces of others as a dark reflection of what their beliefs are. That she can be disturbing in how she pushes the darkness, but alluring in how she does what she wants unrestrained goals others might set in that she just wants fun.

If there is an actual way to enjoy it, I think you have to let your inhibitions, and watch something not healthy. That sounds bad, but as much as I also was not a fan early on, I actually ended up quite the fan latter, like how Yumeko would combat a cheat.
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A Mystery



Joined: 10 Oct 2010
Posts: 1888
Location: Netherlands
PostPosted: Sat Jun 30, 2018 3:29 am Reply with quote
Finished Hinamatsuri right after the last episode was out on Crunchy. Loved it. I would've liked a more high density roll of jokes as a finale bang, but yeah, that's just personal preference. Well done comedy, with touches of drama and a highly versatile cast with each character being odd in another way. Still, the show manages to make it mix and seem so natural to the viewer.

Also trying to finish Gundam: Iron Blooded Orphans. I finished the first season, but never did watch the second season. I thought the first season was quite good. Good action, characters (especially Orga). Only Mikazuki rubs me the wrong way. His character needs more backstory and more reflection to work. He stands there all confident, strong and looking like he's an independent thinker with his own set of morals, while simultaneously doing everything Orga says without even stopping to think even once. Talk about feigned self confidence. Would've been nice if anyone called him out on that. Some do seem to notice sometimes. The first ED is superb. I trust the second season will be less nice to Mikazuki Twisted Evil

Andddd a nostalgic one: DN Angel! Totally loving it. It has such a Disney feel! Sure the workings behind the series plot will not be completely logical and there's probably enough tropes but owww isn't is just romantic and dreamyyyy with some campy 'Dark' tones. I say the music plays a big part of it too.
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DuskyPredator



Joined: 10 Mar 2009
Posts: 15546
Location: Brisbane, Australia
PostPosted: Sun Jul 01, 2018 7:54 pm Reply with quote
Finished Cute High Earth Defense Club HAPPY KISS!. I have seen the previous seasons, and I feel pretty good to say that this was the weakest one. The series was at risk of growing stale after the previous two seasons, so it should have been fixed with this season having an entirely new cast, and a new focus on happiness rather than love, but it did not work. The characters were new, but how they worked just made it feel like they had no creative ideas to make them actually work new, the same old hanging out at a bath, with them talking about random things. It tried to even be creative with how they handled monsters, but it really felt like they were running out of ideas and stretching, that it kind of felt like barely trying sort of thing. The enemy team felt like total non entities, regardless of how it tried to tie them to the heroes. And the magic animal kingdom, while novel for the variety, feels a little too different to how it was in earlier seasons, that spoiler[Earth was just entertainment and Wombat was kind of a hippie protestor].

Added on top of the show still filling in time with its extended transformations and attacks, that at this point feel like too much. I give it a rating of Not really good (4/10).
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phia_one



Joined: 15 Jan 2012
Posts: 1660
Location: Pennsylvania
PostPosted: Mon Jul 02, 2018 9:32 pm Reply with quote
Caught up on Ninja Girl and Samurai Master. I'm kinda sad though since that means I have to wait each week for a new episode. Really liking how a lot of the characters have some depth to them instead of just being one note.
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Cam0



Joined: 13 Dec 2009
Posts: 4919
PostPosted: Fri Jul 06, 2018 3:27 pm Reply with quote
I'm watching Naruto Shippuuden. Thought that I should finally finish the thing since I was very close to the end. The final battles suffer from last minute revelations and the whole thing is way too drawn out. It's all made much worse by the constant use of flashbacks that we have already seen 20 times, at least I could skip the fillers. The final battle spoiler[between Naruto and Sasuke though was mindblowingly awesome. It was really well animated and it was the fight that I had been waiting for a long time.] I'd say it was probably among the best fights in Naruto eventhough I don't like how insane the power levels have gone.

I only have 9 episodes to go. The war is over, but I wanna know what all these characters that I have known for years are up to.

I'm also planning to start watching Hinamatsuri. Seems to be really highly regarded and a couple of users whose tastes seem relatively often align with mine have rated it highly so I'm slightly excited to watch it.
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DuskyPredator



Joined: 10 Mar 2009
Posts: 15546
Location: Brisbane, Australia
PostPosted: Sat Jul 07, 2018 11:03 pm Reply with quote
Probably not normally the place to mention a show that just started, but this is unlikely to be something I make an actual topic of, but first episode of The Master of Ragnarok & Blesser of Einherjar. Oh my god it is so bad, that it is actually hilarious, that it is actually trying to play like it is a big boy anime by being a fantasy show where it thinks things through as if being fresh, but is the most cliché mess that it becomes funnily ironic. It makes even In Another World with my Smartphone look original, partially from I think ripping off parts. It might turn out entertaining for just tailing so much. Along with a taste for Isekai guilty pleasures.
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louis6578



Joined: 31 Jul 2013
Posts: 1873
PostPosted: Sun Jul 08, 2018 1:42 pm Reply with quote
Finished season one and the first set of OVAs for School Rumble. It was alright. I mean, it'd be a 4 or 5 out of 10 if it weren't for Harima, who is easily a top-tier husbando and one of the best romantic male leads ever. I give the show a 6/10 due to the high points and Harima's scenes raising the score a bit, though I can't help feeling that if this was one of my first anime, I'd have loved it.

I also finished the first 3 episodes of Fate/Extra and the first 9 episodes of Big O. Both of which are pretty good. I think Big O has what I call a "Sailor Moon Problem." The actual episode plots are really interesting and engaging, but once it climaxes in a mecha fight, I fall asleep. Similar to how Sailor Moon has engaging interpersonal relationships and storylines each episode, but then the monster fights are complete F-Tier fight scenes that I wish the show would simply forego.
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louis6578



Joined: 31 Jul 2013
Posts: 1873
PostPosted: Tue Jul 10, 2018 1:02 pm Reply with quote
I watched the first six episodes of Fate/Extra Last Encore, which is nothing like the game and is really confusing, but... um... I guess it's not terrible. If you include the Studio Shaft touches that made it visually stimulating, I think it's worth something. Ghost Girl is cool, and even though Rin is underutilized, I like that they let her be there. Other than that though, I'd say it's pretty unremarkable. A 4/10 so far. Even Clannad season 1, which I'd give a solid 5/10, made me laugh a couple times and had a great ED song.

Well, that was what I thought at first, but then the final handful of episodes changed my mind. When I finished Extra, I thought a lot of the later elements were interesting, even if they were a bit rushed. I liked that they actually went into this Saber's backstory, this version of Rin was given quite a bit of interesting baggage with Rani, and the protagonist, who I feared would remain a bland Kirito-type character... well, he kind of was one, but he had a lot of interesting pathos to his backstory. Not to mention that Alice was one of the most disturbingly tragic things this side of Nina Tucker. My God, once they revealed what she was, I just sat there saying "PLEASE KILL IT! FOR ITS OWN SAKE!" She had to die, but I wish there was another way.

GAH! Anyway, I think I'd give it a 6/10 due to the slow first half. Maybe a 6.5 if it had a proper ending.
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