After a disappointing winter season, I’m happy to report that so far I’m pleased with the spring anime I’ve seen…
Attack on Titan
Episodes 1-2 so far
One of the most hyped anime of the season, Attack on Titan, a.k.a. Shingeki no Kyojin, has not disappointed. The first episode had me at the edge of my seat, and episode 2 was compelling as well. What makes the show so gripping for me is its “creepy suspense” factor, where at key suspenseful moments the animation is intensified and this loud, haunting background music starts playing, making it hard not to be sucked into the drama unfolding before you. The only other anime I can think of that gripped me in that particular way was Death Note. And Titan is indeed very dramatic with all the horror and tragedy that takes place in just the first episode alone. What also makes the show so creepily suspenseful is the designs of the titans themselves. They look so eerily like giant, naked humans with nightmarish, soulless faces…it’s just terrifying! You can’t help but want to see how the characters will overcome such an enemy. And speaking of the characters, they’re alright so far. Eren is a pretty typical strong-headed shonen hero who has some maturing to do, but is otherwise sympathetic enough. You can already see the conflicting ideals he has with the more obedient Armin, which I’m guessing will lead to points of character growth for both. And it’s hard not to like Mikasa for being the most level-headed of the group despite all that’s going on around her. They could have easily given her a more archetypical tsundere or moe-ish personality, but they didn’t and I’m glad. Anyway, Attack on Titan is certainly shaping up to be one of the best anime this season. Its conflict and setting already have my attention, so hopefully it will continue to deliver.
OreImo 2
Episodes 1-2 so far
This new season of OreImo continues where the “True Route” of the previous season left off (after the four ONA episodes). And all I can say is that it seems to be more of the same. Much to my dismay, Kirino is still bitchy to the ever-forgiving Kyosuke and I’m still trying to figure out what her problem is. Episode 1 was pretty standard fare while episode 2 left me scratching my head – did Kyosuke really say such mean things to Manami? (I honestly thought that part was a dream sequence at first). And is Ayase really so gullible that she’d think imitating the game’s ecchi dialogue would be a good idea? So yeah, having these two act rather out of character was annoying. But still, despite knowing in my mind that OreImo is kind of a perverse series with characters who are not the most sane bunch, I still enjoy watching it for some reason. Maybe I’m just a sucker for the “secret otaku” scenarios…and there were many scenes in the first series that I thought were genuinely well written. Even though these first two episodes weren’t anything special, they were still the OreImo I like and I’m expecting at least a few really good episodes this season ;)
Suisei no Gargantia
Episodes 1-2 so far
So far I’m liking Suisei no Gargantia, but if I had to say the first thing that stands out about it, it would be the gorgeous animation. You can tell Production I.G. is pouring the budget into this one. The scenes of Amy running through Gargantia made me reminiscent of Ghibli films, both in high-budget animation style and acute attention to setting detail (I couldn’t help but think of Nausicaa when Amy flew on that hang-glider thing with her little squirrel pet on her shoulder XD) The designs of the Gargantia fleet, the characters and how they interact with the setting…lots of detail to be seen and that makes everything more enjoyable and believable. Of course, good art doesn’t mean much in a show if there isn’t a good story to go with it, and thankfully I think the show’s story is very interesting too. Having someone from an advanced human race in outer space like Ledo suddenly thrust into a world of un-advanced humans in the middle of the ocean on the supposedly uninhabited Earth is a setup for a potentially good sci-fi story. Even though the first half of episode 1 gives the impression of a typical mecha series filled with techno-babble and giant robots fighting alien monsters, the rest of the series so far, as well as the opening song, make it seem like that’s not the main focus of the show, which I’m happy about since I’m not a big mecha fan. Hopefully Suisei no Gargantia will keep being as good as it has been, and even if it doesn’t, at least it’ll be pretty to look at.
To Aru Kagaku no Railgun S
Episode 1 so far
It’s hard to say much about the new season of Railgun yet since I’ve only seen one episode and it was basically just a stand-alone story that reintroduces the characters. But like I said in my review of the first series, I really like the characters and setting in Railgun (while I can’t say the same for Index unfortunately). Apparently this season will focus on the Sisters arc – the story behind the many Misaka clones used to power up Accelerator – which was only briefly touched on in the previous seasons of Index and Railgun (but was greatly expanded on in the Railgun manga). Again, it’s hard to say much after just this one fairly average reintroduction episode, but if Railgun S is anything like the first season, I’m sure I’ll like it. It has the same fascinating setting and good characters so I’m optimistic about it =)
Karneval
Episodes 1-2 so far
As of my writing this I haven’t gotten to the third episode of Karneval yet…but going by episodes 1-2, it’s alright so far. The first episode just kinda thrust us into the conflict without any introduction to the characters, setting, or plot, which was a bit confusing. But at the same time it wasn’t so complicated that I couldn’t follow it. It was exciting and made the show seem potentially interesting, so I guess that’s pretty good for an episode that doesn’t explain much =P Episode 2 slowed things down and we got to learn more about the characters and story, which was good of course. Our two main heroes are okay, but I find them a bit bland. Nai is a bit too much on the childish side for my taste, but I can see potential in him to have more depth and room for growth, so hopefully he’ll get there eventually. And Gareki seems like the typical aloof anti-hero who will of course soften up later on thanks to Nai, but again, hopefully the show will do something more memorable with him. I do, however, quite like the Circus members, particularly Tsukumo and Yogi. I found them likable characters right from the beginning, so I look forward to seeing more of them. Anyway, as long as Karneval doesn’t end up making its world so full of subplots and complications that it has to rush and leave lots of things unexplained in its short 13-episode run, then I think it’ll be a good anime. Probably not great, but good.
Hataraku Maou-sama!
Episodes 1-3 so far
It’s rare for an anime to have both an ongoing fantasy plot and to also work well as a comedy series…but I think Hataraku Maou-sama! may be one of those. The beginning of the first episode already had me laughing when Maou and Ashiya got apprehended by the police…and things just got even more comical with them having to take on a pauper lifestyle in the foreign and magic-unfriendly Earth, and then encountering the no-nonsense Emi, whose crazy ambivalence towards Maou is also hilarious. Episode 3 hints that there’s a greater threat to both sides and will most likely force Emi and Maou to work together in the end. The two of them eventually becoming more friendly wasn’t something hard to predict, but I look forward to seeing how it happens nonetheless. I also liked how episode 3 made Chiho a stronger character than she first appeared to be – standing up to the intimidating Emi didn’t look easy! Mixing comedy and fantasy so that both are effective is difficult, but so far Hataraku Maou-sama! is doing a great job. The characters are fun and entertaining, and the premise of these magical humans from another world having to settle into a mundane existence on Earth leaves itself open to plenty of amusing scenarios. I feel like this show could easily be two-cour, but seeing that it’s only going to be one, I hope they make good use of every remaining episode.
—–
I was planning to watch Red Data Girl, but I found out too late that it had started airing back in mid-March and is on episode 6 already. So unless I hear a lot of praise for it, I doubt I’ll get the motivation to catch up on it. I was also tentatively thinking of watching Yahari Oregairu, but I probably won’t at this point either (haven’t heard anything great about it).
As you can see, I’m pleased with all six of the spring ’13 shows I’ve picked. After being disappointed with quite a number of anime from the past few seasons, I’m grateful that this season is looking to be very solid! Right now I’m watching fewer anime than I usually do, but that might do me good seeing as how I’ve been having trouble finding free time lately XD And since I’m so satisfied with all the shows I’m currently watching, I’m sure I won’t notice the lack of another show or two.
Curiously, those are the same anime series I am watching and trying to blog. The only ones I left is Railgun because I still have to watch the first season and Karneval
The first season of Railgun is great…I’m sure you’ll like it =)
Red Data Girl’s HD versions are running along with the rest of the season, you can just catch up to the first three episodes and follow those who are following that version.
Shingeki no Kyojin is indeed very Death Note-ish in it’s musical atmosphere.
Hataraku Maou-sama’s best gag was this episode’s Ashiya getting surprised and making an agagafggadgagh sound. And generally all these reactions and little sounds and faces that they keep making.
Oh, I didn’t know that’s how Red Data Girl was being broadcast – the streaming is ahead by a few episodes but the HD versions are airing at the same time as the other shows. Still not sure if I’ll decide to watch it as I’ve sort of settled into my viewing schedule now XD
Agree with you about Kyojin and Maou-sama!~
I did not know you picked up Railgun S, as well. Then again, it has been a while since I been here.
I too prefer Railgun over Index.
However, I was not really that impressed with Railgun S episode 1. I heard it is was supposed to be covering the Sisters Arc, but I saw things from the Daihaseisai Festival Arc, such as Misaki confronting Misaka in the library, which made me confused. Also, I did not really feel like I got to know the characters, but it could be that this show was not aimed at newcomers, as I stated in my own review.
Since it’s been a while, good to have you back ^_^
Yeah, the first Railgun S episode just seemed like an average stand-alone story which I guess was aired first to help previous viewers (I also assume the show isn’t for newcomers) get reacquainted with the characters somewhat. Episode 2 is out now so hopefully the real story will start.
Unfortunately, I cannot view episode 2, unless it is on Crunchyroll, which I should check, because I do not get new episodes until tomorrow.
People are already coming to my blog for a review of episode 2. AstroNerdBoy told me that the Sisters Arc should definitely be starting soon though, because we saw that flashback in episode 1.
I think I should really check out Attack on Titan – several people I know have recommended it now, so if nothing else I want to see what all the fuss is about. :)
I’m about to watch episode 3 of Karneval now, but unless it’s significantly better than the first two episodes then in all likelihood I’ll end up dropping the series. Which is a shame because I think there’s a lot of potential there, but just not a big chance of Karneval actually living up to it. (On the plus side, that’ll give me time to add Attack on Titan to my watch-list instead.)
Hataraku Maou-sama and Suisei no Gargantia is definitely where it’s at for me though. Regardless of what else happens with the other new shows I’m following, those two are enough to make the spring season a stand-out one. Thoroughly impressed so far.
I think Red Data Girl is good, but not great. I’m enjoying it, I think there’s a good story and some interesting characters there, but it’s probably not going to be a knock-out show like Hataraku Maou-sama or Suisei no Gargantia are.
If you don’t have an aversion to tragic, morbid anime then I’m sure you’ll like Attack on Titan =)
Out of these six series I’m watching, I have to agree that Karneval is the weakest one. I still like it but I could see the series either getting better or worse…and in the latter case I may drop it as well. Hopefully not because I also think it has potential.
Glad to hear you’re enjoying the other shows you’re watching~
I’m watching all of those as well (as well as RDG) except for Oreimo 2 and To Aru Kagaku no Railgun S since I haven’t seen the first season of either one.
You can still catch up on RDG since the high definition version (which I haven’t seen) started airing the same time as the other Spring anime shows. Maou-Sama! might be my favorite right now just because I find it so funny (and maybe because I’ve worked in fast food…). The characters are really wonderful as well.
The only one I’m not sure about is Karneval. I just watched the 3rd episode, and I’m just finding it kind of confusing…? Maybe it’s because I’m not interested in it for whatever reason so I’m not paying attention to it well enough. Nai also makes me want to jump off a bridge which isn’t helping since the show seems to center around him.
I’m looking forward to more Attack on Titan and Suisei no Gargantia. Both seem to have great plots and animation which is always exciting!
I’m also watching Dansai Bunri no Crime Edge. The first episode was kind of strange, but the second and third episodes are kind of Mirai Nikki-esque which is getting me excited. I hope it continues in that direction.
Maou-sama! is one of the funniest anime I’ve seen in a while, so I’m sure I’ll be sticking with it all the way XD
Like I said to Artemis above, I’m also a bit unsure about Karneval even though I’d say I like it more than not right now. I’m going to watch episode 3 soon and it’s not too encouraging that you’re still finding it confusing ^^,,, Well, I’m willing to give it time…but not too much, LOL.
I’m watching four shows, but I am enjoying Gargantia and Ore no Imouto out of the four shows so far. Hopefully, Urobuchi won’t disappoint as I have high hopes for the show so far.
As for Red Data Girl, I’m watching the HD cast as the stream is not that great quality, although they are airing a few episodes ahead. The plot pretty much improves in episode 3 and the animation is good as always even though the first two were rough. Photo Kano is meh although the girls are cute.
I forgot that Gen Urobuchi is one of the writers for Gargantia. That gives me even more hope that it will turn out good =D
Still not sure I’ll watch Red Data Girl at this point..but I may at a later date if I read good reviews of it.
Suisei no Gargantia is pretty cool so far; it is visually wonderful and it has a pretty neat idea for a story. I have recently (and by recently, I mean over the past 2 years) been looking at a few relatively unknown manga titles that take place on rural islands with stunning visuals of beaches and oceans, so Gargantia really came at a good time for me.
While I have not watched Railgun S yet, I certainly plan on it, being that I am a pretty big Railgun fan (Index tried to do more than the writers were capable of pulling off, in my opinion). Also, I am a Saten fan.
With Red Data Girl, I’m casually following it; the premise sounds interesting, but I am still unsure about whether I should commit to watching it. From the couple of episodes I’ve seen, I like it, but I’m still on the fence about whether to continue.
The (very) early front runners for show of the season for me are Suisei no Gargantia and Devil Survivor 2: The Animation; if there is one thing the latter can do effectively, it is build tension.
Yeah, the animation in Gargantia is fantastic. I loved the night scene in episode 2 that showed the vast blanket of stars in the sky. It’s always encouraging when a show has such high-budget animation because you know the creators are doing their best to make it a hit…and so far I’d say everything else about it is good too =)
Heh, I like all the main four girls in Railgun. But I never could figure out what Saten’s obsession with flipping Uiharu’s skirt is about XD She seems like a fairly normal girl except for that, LOL. If Kuroko did something like that then I would sort of understand =P
Watching the same ones except Karneval, and I agree with you on those. They are all shaping up to be pretty fun indeed. 2nd chapter of Oreimo left me scratching my head as well, and kind of makes me a bit uncomfortable… But, it was the same with the 1st season, and I ended up loving it, so I think it will be ok. Shingeki no Kyojin is quite impresive, I even showed it to my brother who does not watch much anime, and he was all like “and? where is chapter 3?”. So I think it will be really good. Railgun will be fun, I also like it a lot more than index. I prefer the technological side of that world over the magical one, and Railgun delivers. I like the 4 girls as well, I think they are lots of fun! Hataraku Maou-sama! really surprised me. I mean, 1st half if the episode was all fantasy stuff, then it goes into comedy with very real life elements. I was really thrown off, but in a good way, Enjoying it as well.
I think this will be a great season :)
Glad to hear we’re enjoying the same shows ^_^ It’s funny how both Gargantia and Maou-sama! started off one way and then ended up a different way…for the better! And I’m sure just about anyone, even non-anime people, would find the first ep of Attack on Titan exciting. Here’s to a great season~
I’m following the same series as you except for Karneval, the kid kinda creeped me out. Hataraku Maou-sama is by far my favourite series of this season. Like you said, it does a good job of combining different genres and I absolutely love the “dumb humour” of the characters.
I can see why Nai from Karneval is kinda creepy…but actually, episode 3 that just aired revealed why he’s so odd XD
I hope Maou-sama! continues to deliver the funnies~!
Attack on Titan –
I’m not really digging it all that much. Mainly cause I can’t stand the MC or his whiny voice.
The whole premise of them using levers and grapples to go ninja warrior thru the buildings and trees so they can swing swords at the titan’s neck seems rather silly as well. Why not just attack their weakness at the ankles and knees bring them down than attack their heads and arms.
I guess I’m nit picking cause the MC is the Roseanne Barr of shounen male leads. If the voice actor was someone else, i might be more engrossed in the series. I’ll stick with it and see if the story grows on me.
Gargantia –
I’m liking this one much more than titans. The characters are interesting. The premise is somewhat good. Some lack of logic on the part of the way Ledo/Red had to battle the pirates the second time. But other than that. It’s pretty fun to watch.
Hataraku Maou-sama! –
Very funny. enjoying the cast a lot. The premise seems like a reverse “Maou and Yuusha” built around a “Bleach” (first season) world. Emi reminds me of Maya from “Occult Academy” with her intense varying facial stares. Maya and Emi are also voiced by the same voice actor.
Oreimo 2 –
It seems rather sluggish right now. So far the episodes seems like they’re episodic showcases of the different girls. I have read spoilers and stuff and know that the series does go back to more of the style of the first season which will progress the story of Kyousuke, Kirino, and some of the girls more. I’m waiting on that to take off cause so far it doesn’t seem as interesting as the first season was.
Railgun 2 –
I guess I’m not all gung-ho with the series as i used to be. I seem rather bored with the whole Index world. They seem to want to go off on a lot of side stories instead of sticking to the main story line revolving around Kouma and Index. But yeah. Misaka still zapping bad guys. Kuroko still trying to molest big sis. Saten still peeking at Uiharu’s undies. wow, just realized how fan service-y this series is. Well, it’ll interesting to see the two new girls being intro’d.
The “Hentai” Prince and the Stony Cat –
The story revolves around a boy and girl who meet in the forest near a statue and make a wish on it that comes true. Eventually they regret it and conspire to undo what they’ve done.
The first episode i wasn’t feeling it that much. Second episode i totally turned a 180 and started liking it. I think Azusa’s back story really turned it around and that this wasn’t JUST a silly moe ecchi comedy.
Maybe the reason they don’t attack the titans’ feet is because they could easily just get kicked away. Swinging through the trees makes them harder to hit. Just a guess on my part.
Emi does seem like Maya from Occult Academy. I didn’t know they shared the same seiyuu.
The first two episodes of OreImo 2 were just alright, but I really enjoyed the recent episode 3. Throughout season 1 I always wanted to know more about Saori and now I do ^^ I just love backstory episodes in general.
I was turned off by the title “Hentai Prince” so I didn’t consider watching that one. But going by what you say, maybe it’s not bad at all =P