A little late with my first impressions post this season…but better late than never ;) Here’s my opinion of the five winter 2013 anime I’m currently watching after seeing the first 2-3 episodes…
Sasami-san@Ganbaranai
Episodes 1-2 so far
After reading a bit about this series and seeing that it’s a Shaft anime with Shinbou as the director, I went into the first episode expecting something weird…and that’s just what I got. The first part reminded me of Bakemonogatari with a hapless guy getting into strange, borderline surreal, conversations and relationships with the oddball girls around him. Then the show went from weird to bizarre with the whole chocolate apocalypse thing. But strangely, while I usually can’t get very into shows that don’t ground themselves in realism enough for me to make sense of how their world works (like Penguindrum was for me), I found the whole chocolate thing kind of funny and clever. Then when episode 2 tried to build some semblance of a narrative with how the spirit of Amaterasu is in Sasami’s brother and that’s why all this weird stuff happens, I started to enjoy it more. I was cracking up at the part where the Yagami sisters were unwittingly trampling all over Sasami’s sterile otaku items and she was freaking out about it XD Well, as long as the show doesn’t push weirdness too far, I think I’ll like it.
And I know episode 3 is out already but I won’t have time to watch it until tomorrow.
Maoyuu Maou Yuusha
Episodes 1-3 so far
To put it bluntly, Maoyu is a Spice and Wolf clone and it doesn’t try to hide that fact. It has the same director, a very similar story, an extremely similar main two protagonists, and they even share the exact same seiyuu as our main duo from Spice and Wolf (as well as a similar relationship and personalities). If you want to think of Maou and Yuusha as Horo and Lawrence reincarnated in a parallel world, I don’t think anything in this show will give you evidence against that XD But seeing as how Spice and Wolf is a good series, being like it isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Three episodes in and I think Maoyu is a fairly good anime. Like Sasami-san, I don’t think it’ll become a favorite of mine or anything, but I’m enjoying it more than not. The fantasy/medieval world it takes place in is fascinating and, much like the economics theme in Spice and Wolf, the different facets of how “war is good” that the series explores (a rather disturbing idea but I’m willing to roll with it) are interesting. Our main couple are likable enough, but kind of bland compared to Horo and Lawrence…at least for now. And besides them we have the maids who are introduced in episode 2, with the Head Maid who seemed nice at first until she totally berated those runaway kids…I was like, “Geez lady, lighten up!” XD But anyway, now that we’re introduced to Yuusha’s past companions in episode 3, things look like they’ll get more interesting. I think this show will have the advantage of pleasing Spice and Wolf fans with all its similarities, but also the disadvantage of being forever compared to and cast in the former’s shadow. But we shall see. And what’s up with not giving the characters names? All I can think of is that it’s something unique to mention about the show =P
Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai Next
Episodes 1-3 so far
If you liked the first season of Haganai, I can certainly recommend this sequel. And if you didn’t, well, all I can say is that this second season seems to be lighter on the fan service than the first, at least there was little of it in the first three episodes. Being the utterly plot-less school comedy that it is, the enjoyability of Haganai depends strictly on whether you like the characters and watching them interact with each other. And I for one find them to be tons of fun :3 Rika’s fujoshi obsession is especially hilarious, as is Kobato and Maria’s “vampire vs church” rivalry and Sena’s naivety about a lot of things and her constant bickering with Yozora. Actually, I was reminded in these episodes of how much I like Sena. No matter how mean Yozora is to her and how obsessed Sena is with the grudge she has against her, it seems like she still wants to be Yozora’s friend and rarely acts as mean to her as she should, which is both funny and interesting. Anyway, the thing that mostly bothered me in the first season was the amount of fan service, but now that this sequel is looking to lighten the fan service load, I may end up liking it better. All I can say is that Haganai is simply the type of show where it’s hard to find any logical reason for liking it – you either do or you don’t.
Kotoura-san
Episodes 1-3 so far
Out of all the shows I’m watching this season, including the continuing ones from the fall season, I think Kotoura-san has the most potential to be one of my favorites of the year. I’ve heard people denounce the first half of episode 1 as being ridiculously tragic to the point of tragedy porn, but I didn’t get that feeling. I thought it did a great job of subtlety showing us Kotoura’s ability as a child before we’re told exactly what her problem is later on. And yes, it was tragic, but I didn’t think it was that over-the-top and sometimes stories are very sad like that to serve a certain purpose, which I think the show made quite clear in the middle of episode 1 when the gloomy darkness of the first half suddenly burst into hopeful colors when Kotoura met Manabe. The lighter second half of the episode, while contrasting to the sad first half, didn’t feel out of place at all and was very sweet and funny. Then I was a bit hesitant to check out episode 2 because I thought it wouldn’t be able to hold up to the quality of episode 1…but to my pleasant surprise, it was very good too. It introduces more characters and what I think the show has going for it is making its characters multidimensional; in just one episode we see different sides of Mifune’s character, from wanting to use Kotoura for her own motives but also feeling conflicted about it. We get to see the previously air-headed, cheerful Manabe man up and defend Kotoura against the bullying girls. Even Muroto, whose design suggests that he’s a comic relief seems to have layers to him too as far as his relationship with Mifune in episode 3. It’s a rare series that can show different sides of its characters and make me care about them so early on. While I can pinpoint some things about the show I feel are contrived for drama’s sake, especially in episode 3, the good certainly outweighs the bad here. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that Kotoura-san continues to deliver! =)
Tamako Market
Episodes 1-3 so far
The latest work by KyoAni and their first completely original series not based on any manga or novel. And while I don’t like to categorize this way, it’s hard to deny that Tamako Market does, well, follow the style typical of KyoAni’s latest works in that it’s an extremely “moe” slice of life show. Everything is cute, light, meandering, funny, and of course, very well animated. Like other KyoAni shows such as Hyouka and certain episodes of K-ON, Tamako Market is more about building an atmosphere that’s both soothing and immersive rather than telling a standard, dramatic story. Likewise, the characters are meant to be fun and pleasant to be with rather than dynamic. And as far as meeting those goals, I think the show is doing well. But so far nothing about it really stands out (except for our fine feathered friend, who I’ll get to in a bit). Maybe it’s just me but I can’t stop seeing KyoAni stereotypes in all the characters; Tamako seems to be the typical overly nice, cheerful, genki girl who looks similar to Mio from K-ON with Yui’s personality and a bit of Eru from Hyouka. The newly introduced Shiori reminds me of Alt.Yuki from Disappearance of Haruhi, and I also can’t help but see some Azusa in Anko. Most of the other characters, like the various shop owners, while likable, feel like they’re part of the setting and atmosphere rather than characters that carry weight on their own…with the shining exception of the enigmatic Dera Mochimazzi. I would say 80% of the show’s entertainment value comes from him, and since he’s the only character I haven’t seen anything quite like in a previous KyoAni show, I’m certainly okay with him hogging the spotlight ;)
Unfortunately one thing about the show bothers me: I can’t understand the characters’ reactions to Dera. It’s made clear in the first episode that a talking bird is a very abnormal occurrence judging by Tamako’s initial reaction to him, and yet few of the other characters seem to treat it as anything more unusual than finding five bucks on the ground while walking down the street. Even when he turns into a FREAKING PROJECTOR, nobody seems perturbed by it or looks into it further. With the exception of maybe Nichijou, KyoAni shows are fairly grounded in realism, and everything else about this show is realistic slice of life events, so I can’t figure out why people aren’t shocked at a talking, projecting bird that Tamako and her family should advertise as the shop’s mascot, having millions of patrons coming to their shop to see something so rare and they make big bucks from it…but ah well XD AJTheFourther offers a very interesting interpretation of Dera’s function in the series that, despite my misgivings, I’ll try to subscribe to =P Regardless, I think Tamako Market will be an okay addition to the KyoAni lineup. And I’ll try not to be too angry with KyoAni for taking time to work on an original anime when Haruhi has just been sitting around for three years begging for a sequel.
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Other than these five I might add one more winter show to my watch list if I have the time (not likely). If so, I’m debating between Oreshura and Mondaiji. But anyway, I hope you guys are enjoying whatever winter ’13 anime you decided to watch :3
I started watching maou yuusha,and i really found it enjoyable,while as you mention, it resembles spice and wolf, i think given a couple of episodes it will begin to shine of its light,especially thanks to the cast of characters,and if things go on like these first episodes it can only be better. The other anime that i’m watching and may be a favorite of mine is Kotoura ,the first half episode wasn’t really what i expected,but nevertheless i really do appreciate how we were given a chance to know more about the character and what she had suffered,seeing how she had given up on life only to know there is still hope waiting for her..
I knew that the first episode of Kotoura-san supposedly had a big contrast between its first and second half due to reading a bit of what people were saying about it…but if I hadn’t known that I definitely would not have expected the first part to be so tragic after seeing the cute character designs and promo art XD
I haven’t picked up many winter shows, mostly because there is not much that interests me at the moment. However, I’m catching up on the first season of Boku wa Tomodachi so I can watch the second season and I enjoyed it mostly because of the characters.
As for Tamako Market, it’s somewhat enjoyable and not horrible as I first feared. However, there is not really that much special besides the bird, which is just crazy. It seems that some people don’t like him, but eh, he is okay I suppose.
I don’t know about the others but I think you would like Kotoura-san at least =) But glad to hear you’re enjoying Haganai. So far the first few episodes of season 2 are delivering more of the goodness of the first season, minus the huge amounts of fan service, which is a good thing XD
The current anime season feels quite disappointing compared to the last one for me, where I ended up watching for or 5 new shows all the way through. This time around I’ve tried out about 7 different shows so far, yet am only probably going to keep up with 1 of them (and that’s a guilty pleasure – I’ll openly admit to watching Amnesia purely for the bishounen-fanservice). My biggest disappointment this season is that Savannah Game got postponed though. I’m certainly glad it doesn’t seem to have been outright cancelled, but it was the anime I was most looking forward to watching this season.
I was sort of thinking about checking out Amnesia, but I didn’t hear very favorably reviews about it so I decided against it =P But yeah, if you like bishonen/reverse harem shows, I think that’s the audience it’s for.
I’ve never heard of Savannah Game. If it’s something that sounds good I’ll check it out when it does get to airing =)
”
The world cannot be saved by the victory of a single man. This book begins at the point where the climax should occur; the battle between the Demon Queen who is a little strange and the Hero who is a little curious.
Not only do these two give up the traditional battle, but instead, they join hands to directly challenge the complicated social structure that dictates humans and demons must forever be in conflict.
This is too reckless right? How can this be done? Undoubtedly, you are thinking that.
Come, please turn the page. You are about to read a story that has never been told before; the story of the Hero… and the Demon Queen.”
That’s the original work’s author’s introduction to the series. The anime production may be modelled after that of Spice and Wolf, but calling the whole series a clone of it is kind of a disservice to the work.
Anyway, that aside, I like what you’ve said about each of the shows. I definitely can and do agree. I think that “screaming at the sky in the rain because her kitty got taken away from her” is pretty inarguably over-dramatic, though. The image in itself would be over-the-top if her whole family were murdered in front of her. Screaming at the floor in horror but not anguish, maybe. With the kitten, I think a closeup on a shrinking iris and then a slow sinking to her knees would be much more subtle if less hyperbolically expressive.
(Sorry, alternate viewpoints have a way of taking up much more space than concise praise and agreement.)
If you’re looking for another show, I’m watching OreShura and Monadiji-tachi (along with your five and about ten others), and they’re both pretty okay and enjoyable. OreShura is a pretty generic romantic comedy that doesn’t do anything special – maybe a bit better than the average – and Mondaiji-tachi is pretty interesting and fun but has yet to reveal any real quality. The main problem is its overpowered heroes. The main guy has backed down from one fight, but it wasn’t humbling or revealing of any flaws. Although I do still have episode three to watch.
Thanks for sharing that little intro to Maoyu…I guess calling it a “clone” of Spice and Wolf wasn’t the best word choice; maybe just calling it “very similar” is enough =P
And yeah, I do agree that the kitten scene in Kotoura-san was one a bit over-the-top, but considering the story at hand, besides that one scene I think it was pretty good about making the drama less cheesy and more subtle, at least to me.
I don’t think I’m gonna have time for another show after all =P
Yes, the rest of that episode I thought was excellently done. And if you change your mind, I’ll echo the opinions you’ve heard and advise against Amnesia.
Oh, and I just looked at your MAL profile. I have nearly as many titles but not half as many days logged. I attribute this to my love of random films and short OVAs. I also rate more harshly, especially when it comes to tens. I’ll also poke you and remind you to finish the Azumanga Daioh Manga – what it totally has over its anime adaptation is absolute mastery over the 4koma format. Its comedic timing is just pitch perfect all the time.
Tamako Market and Sasami-san are my two favorites so far. But Psycho-Pass and Jojo’s Bizarre Adventures are still the best airing shows of the season.
I’ll probably end up watching Maoyu all in one go once it’s completed. Possibly Vivid Red Operation, too.
I’m surprised you’re liking Tamako Market =) (No surprise about Sasami-san though, LOL).
I’m curious what you’d think of Kotoura-san…it’s one of those shows where I’m not sure if you’ll despise it or actually like it =P
I lied. Vividred Operation is my favorite show of the season now.
I heard the show has a lot of fan service. So I’m curious what it is that you like about it?
Eh, it’s just a lot of butt shots. I don’t really have an issue with fan service anymore, especially after watching Queen’s Blade. :P
I’m just a sucker for magical girls. The transformation sequences kick ass and I just find the show to be really silly but very charming.
Sasami, I saw a bit of the 1st episode and had to stop for some reason, so have not watched the rest. Will give it a shot.
I never saw spice and wolf, but Maoyuu Maou Yuusha is really intersting so far. I was expecting more action on the show (by looking at the intro), but I find it really, really interesting anyway. The Hero did remind me of Yuuta a bit too much though, even looks similar. Still, good show so far.
Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai Next follows pretty much the same formula as the 1st season. I did like the 1st one, and this 2nd one looks like it’s going to be fun.
I completely agree with you about Kotoura-san. I really liked the 1st half of the 1st episode. It painted a bleak picture, but not in a mean kind of way, but in a “this is simply what happened” kind of way. I did not find it overtly tragic, I found it just right One thing is a bit out of whack for me though. She cannot control her power, so she should be hearing a lot more of what people are thinking (we think all the time). I know that is not possible to be able to tell a good story, so I’ll roll with it. Still, good show so far.
Tamako Market looks like it’s going to be fun. I have no problem with the reactions to our feathery friend, I think that’s just part of the light-hearted nature of the show. It does show a glimpse of some deeper plot though, with the mysterious prince from a far-away land, so we just have to wait and see what happens. I do like the characters though, they are all quite likeable, and Tamakos imouto is one of the cutest things I have ever seen!! So I’m sure it will be a good show :)
I’m also watching Vivired operation, which is just a standard magical girl show, but has some amazing animation… Although, they are a bit obsessed with girls behinds… Love Live school idol project, which reminded me a bit of the idolmaster, but not as good. Might drop that one. OreShura, which some parts remind me of Chuunibyou (guy really embarrased about his past, and looking to destroy his notebook from the past). It’s been ok so far, but not great.
It looks like we have a good season anyway :) a few solid shows, and lots of fun shows around. Looks good to me :)
If you like Maoyu then I can definitely recommend Spice and Wolf. And yeah, the intro does fool you into thinking it’s an action show, but that’s probably because shows with that kind of fantasy setting with swords and demons and what not often are. And if you mean that the Hero reminds you of Yuuta from Chuunibyou, that’s not surprising since they share the same seiyuu, Jun Fukuyama =)
Maou Yuusha – I heard it was a spice and wolf clone. I haven’t seen that series. So it’s all new to me. I like the plot of them manipulating the population by helping them become more efficient. The relationship between the two main protagonist is annoying though. I really need the Hero to man up a little and stop running away cause he’s got self esteem issues.
Kotoura – really is deeper than it appears. The pacing was a bit quirky, but other than that i really am liking the show. Manabe is a goofball, but damn he’s an awesome male lead, even if he’s a pervert. drama is OK. wondering how the Moritani arc will play out and what is club prez’s overall goal for Kotoura.
Mondaiji – superpower kids in a “gift” game world defending the downtrodden from nefarious demon lords. It’s very Shonen with some fanservice here and there(mainly the bunny). Overall it’s pretty decent. The characters seem interesting. It’s a bit more action orientated then most of the other series this season.
I also find Manabe to be a fun protagonist, being both a goofball but a genuinely caring guy too ;) I too am looking forward to seeing what the club president’s goal for Kotoura is and how Moritani eventually becomes a “good guy” (though she’s already done some very dastardly things, it may be hard for me to grow to like her XP)
Also,
Vividred Operation- LOL it’s like Power Rangerettes meets Yuru Yuri with a whole lot of SAO buttshot fan service. It’s a generic cute girls doing cute things innocently in otherwise traditionally male roles while still being sexually exploitable. The characters themselves seem bland also. I’ve pretty much watched of the 3 episodes in one day and have dropped it.
OreShura – I saw some people mention this here so i thought I’d get if a whirl. I sort of like it, but i can’t stand the 2 main characters ATM. The one girl is really twisted and manipulative, the main guy is a dense moron. the one scene in episode four just shows how twisted they are. It’s a pastel looking harem. But it really has a twisted dark undertone to it. It’s sort of interesting. but it can be infuriating. I’m sticking with this one.
Hmm! I want to continue to watch/pick up all of these up. At some point!
When/If you do, I look forward to reading your reviews =D
This looks like a good selection of series from what seems to be a rather mediocre anime season; you should be well entertained. I agree that Kotoura-san is a surprisingly strong show, and I’m enjoying it quite a bit. Sasami-san@Ganbaranai should turn out to be a really good series also (but unfortunately I don’t have access, so I can’t watch it at this time). I really liked Spice and Wolf, but I’ve struggled a bit with Maoyuu Maou Yuusha. I’m sure the show will be fine, but I don’t have the patience for it right now… maybe later.
Glad you’re also enjoying Kotoura-san ^_^ And if you liked Bakemonogatari (which I know you do) Sasami-san reminds me of it so I think you’ll like it when/if you get around to watching it.
I hadn’t planned on watching Sasami-san, but after reading this post, I think I may try it out.
I have yet to watch Kotoura-san past episode one, but I liked the first episode and plan on looking into episodes two and three soon.
Maoyuu Maou Yuusha is probably my favorite show so far this season, as little time has passed since the season began. It certainly does smack of Spice and Wolf, but it has really nailed the chemistry between the two main characters so far and I’m looking forward to more.
Episode 2 of Kotoura-san is very good too, much to my pleasant surprise when I watched it =) Like episode 1, it has both comedy and drama and balances the two well. Episode 3 continues that trend but ends on kind of an abrupt cliffhanger…
I’m still just okay with Maoyu for now, but I hope to like it better as I see more episodes.
I ended up watching Sasami, Maoyuu, Haganai, Mondaiji, and Oreshura so it looks like we have some overlap :)
I found Kotoura-san to go back and forth between drama and comedy way too often and abruptly. If they had transitioned between the two in a smoother manner like Toradora then I would still be watching it.