June 2011 Archives

I haven�t posted in a while, the reason being I�ve been in a final push towards preparing for a convention, which occurs next weekend. Out of the 4-day convention, I�m actually only participating in 2 panels, but both are video-heavy affairs that require quite a bit of putting-together clips. I�m also trying to haphazardly throw together a costume (steampunk zombie) which is something that I�m not experienced with. I realize that I�ve probably been hemorrhaging readers in the meantime,  so I wanted to toss out a �heads-up� and let everyone know what was going on. Normal activity should resume when new shows start broadcasting, and I should have a couple of entries up before I leave for the con, time allowing.

Thanks for being patient with me, everyone!

I've got an extra-large batch of shows this time around, since it seemed silly to split it up into two posts. Let's get this show on the road, shall we?

Moshidora

Minami takes to heart what she's learned about marketing, and so she and Yuki interview the members of the team regarding what they hope to get out of their high school baseball experience. They learn a bit more about Ayano, the other manager, and discover that Asano, the starting pitcher, has a conflict with the coach due to being taken out of the Summer game. The coach explains himself to Minami, but things come to a head during the next game and internal team conflicts come roaring to the surface. The argument that takes place does seem to affect the team in a positive way - Asano begins showing up to regular practices.

The first episode of this series had a subdued charm that continues here. Less screen time seemed to be devoted to Minami's book-related revelations, which was a positive change, and the team members began to distinguish themselves a bit more. I was cautiously-optimistic about the first episode of the series, but I'm really finding that I'm beginning to warm to it even more at this point.

Will I continue watching? I intend to try and fit it in somehow, some way. With all of it out already, I'm actually tempted to marathon it if I get the chance.

Showa Monogatari

Number of Episodes: 13

Production Company: Wao World

ANN Encyclopedia Wikipedia Commercial

Brief Overview: This is the dramatic story of the Yamazaki family, living during the era when Japan hosted the Summer Olympic Games.

Hyouge Mono (Tea for Universe, Tea for Life)

Number of Episodes: 39

Production Company: Bee Train

ANN Encyclopedia Wikipedia Commercial

Brief Overview: Furuta Sasuke, a vassal of Oda Nobunaga, has lost himself to the tea ceremony. While war rages around him, he must choose between being promoted and his life as a passionate aesthete.

Kaiji - Haikairoku Hen

Number of Episodes: TBA

Production Company: Madhouse

ANN Encyclopedia Wikipedia Opening

Brief Overview: The continuation of the gritty gambling series, Gambling Apocalypse Kaiji. Kaiji is a man consistently down on his luck. After being invited to join in a gambling game, he escapes out the other side with only his life. Once again, he's found himself drawn back into the world of gambling games.

Windy Tales Episode 1 Discussion                                                     Windy Tales Episode 7 Discussion

Windy Tales Episode 2 Discussion                                                     Windy Tales Episode 8 Discussion

Windy Tales Episode 3 Discussion                                                     Windy Tales Episode 9 Discussion

Windy Tales Episode 4 Discussion                                                     Windy Tales Episode 10 Discussion

Windy Tales Episode 5 Discussion                                                     Windy Tales Episode 11 Discussion

Windy Tales Episode 6 Discussion                                                     Windy Tales Episode 12 Discussion

Episode Summary

It's been a year now since Nao and Miki discovered Taiki-sensei's wind powers, and they begin to feel something strange in the air. While each of them is out and about, they're struck by strong whirlwinds not completely of their own making. As it turns out, Yukio, Taiki-sensei's acquaintance from the Wind Village, is coming for a visit.

The kids are happy to see her again, and realize that it was her pending arrival that caused the irregular wind action, though they're not entirely sure why. In the end, Yukio decides to say goodbye to Taiki-sensei, who confides in his students, who he now considers fellow wind-users.

My parents got a new puppy yesterday, a female Jack Russell terrier. They have another one named Lucy, who's named after the Beatles song "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds." This new one is named Ellie, after "Eleanor Rigby." I think it's time for a Beatles-themed AMV recommendation column!

Food as Reflection of Soul (Long Artistic Title) by Zephyrstar

This AMV has been one of my favorites for a while. Honey and Clover is a great anime that follows a group of art students through their college days and afterwards as they navigate their personal growth and romantic relationships. They also eat a whole ton of food, as this AMV demonstrates. I find it amusing, and I, of course, like the song.

Fullmetal Lane by Hagaren Viper (Hagaren Studios)

This is about what it sounds like - the editor uses scenes and characters from the series Fullmetal Alchemist to parody those sung about in the song "Penny Lane." It's a fun, light-hearted peace where oft-parodied characters get their time in the spotlight.

Hey Haruka by Johan Peacecraft Rodrigue (Star Studios)

I'm sort of surprised that this AMV works as well as it does, but there you go. It's a Sailor Moon AMV that focuses on Haruka and Michiru's relationship, through Haruka's point of view. My only complaints are regarding the video quality, which varies between "okay" and "nearly-unwatchable," but it's from 2002 so you can't really ask for much. The story is there, and that's what's really important.

Her Majesty by anneke (Baka Deshi Productions!)

A very short AMV about Marie Antoinette from Rose of Versailles. Yup.

In Kenshin's Life by obh04 (Nirro Production)

A very sentimental AMV set to the Rurouni Kenshin OVA. This is one of those OVAs that I saw after having seen maybe a few episodes of the TV series, and it still registered as very easy to connect with, and this AMV captures that well.

Hmm, seems like I might have enough AMVs for a second week's worth of Beatles fun. Stay tuned for more.

Hanasaku Iroha

Number of Episodes: 26

Production Company: P.A. Works

ANN Encyclopedia Wikipedia Crunchyroll

Brief Overview: Ohana Matsumae is a Tokyo teen sent to live with her grandmother after her mother elopes with a lover. Her grandmother owns a hot springs resort, and Ohana must learn to live and work there while getting along with her co-workers, so that she can begin a new life for herself.

Nichijou (My Ordinary Life)

Number of Episodes: 26

Production Company: Kyoto Animation

ANN Encyclopedia Wikipedia Crunchyroll

Brief Overview: Though the story follows a cast of high school students in their daily lives, those lives are anything but ordinary. Various oddities, including a robot girl, a boy riding a goat, and a talking cat, help redefine what it means to be ordinary.