It’s that time again – anime from the previous season have ended and it’s time for me to pick new seasonal shows to watch! Here are my first impressions of the fall 2014 anime I picked after watching the first couple of episodes…
Amagi Brilliant Park
Episodes 1-2 so far
Being a fan of Kyoto Animation, I make it a rule to watch all of their shows regardless of what they’re about. I wasn’t sure what to expect from this one…the synopsis I read called it a “drama comedy” or something like that, and I know that KyoAni’s way with mixing comedy and drama doesn’t always work for me. But I watched it of course, and I liked it =) I wasn’t so sure I’d like it after the first few minutes because right away I was like, “C’mon, how does no one on the street notice that this crazy girl is holding a gun to this guy? And why would he agree to go with her instead of calling the authorities?” But after a while I got into it and realized that the show doesn’t take itself that seriously. I actually got some laughs out of it too, which is rare. After episode 2, when more of the plot is revealed, I still continued to like it. It is a pretty unique premise; after all, how many anime are about an amusement park where the mascots are real magical beings? As of now I wouldn’t say I like it that much, as some of the slapstick humor with the mascots and such is kinda silly. But for now I’m enjoying it and am looking forward to seeing how the story goes. I love going to amusement parks in real life, so going to one in the anime I watch is also a plus XD I know episode 3 is out already so I’ll be watching that soon.
Shirobako
Episodes 1-2 so far
After flopping with Glasslip last season, P.A. Works is back once again with an original animated series. But unlike Glasslip, I found the first couple episodes of Shirobako entertaining. I love watching anime about the manga industry and this was the first I’ve come across that’s about the anime industry. It’s fascinating seeing all the roles employees play in an anime company, how they go about making episodes, and what kind of pitfalls come up during the process. It’s not a series for everyone though, because unless you find it interesting to watch how a fictional anime studio makes a fictional anime series, you’d probably find it boring and even confusing, since so many characters are introduced right away and they all have different positions in the company (P.A. Works seems to know this since they put on-screen text with the characters’ names and positions when they first appear in the episode XD) I had trouble remembering who’s who, and it didn’t help that the series moves pretty fast and doesn’t focus on any particular character for too long. But despite this, I’m still enjoying it and I’m sure I’ll get used to the fast pace and large cast soon. I like all the insight into how an anime is made, plus I want to see if the girls are ever able to fulfill their promise =)
Fate/Stay Night Unlimited Blade Works
Prologue and episode 1 so far
Probably the most hyped series of the season and a bandwagon I jumped on right away ;) I loved Fate/Zero and the original Fate/Stay Night from 2006, so of course this was the first fall anime I was definitely going to check out. For those who don’t know, Fate/Stay Night is based on a visual novel: the anime from 2006 adapted one route (with some liberties) and the one airing now is going to adapt another one, though for now it’s starting out more or less the same as the other one. I forgot how much I liked the Fate series until I watched the episode 0 prologue and got sucked into its world once again. It also helps that Rin is my favorite character XD But I was surprised when I watched episode 1 because not only was it the same series of events from the prologue except from Shirou’s perspective instead of Rin’s, but it was just as long as the prologue, at about 42-ish minutes. I don’t think the rest of the episodes are going to be that long though, just the first episode, which was the case for Fate/Zero too. It was still interesting seeing it from two point-of-views though. Since it is based on a visual novel, the series can be a bit talky sometimes and it takes its time getting things going, but once the plot and the characters’ goals are underway, I’m always hooked! I look forward to reliving the 5th Holy Grail War again and seeing what different paths are in store for Rin, Shirou, and Saber ;)
Shingeki no Bahamut: Genesis
Episodes 1-2 so far
I was on the fence about this one originally, but the premise sounded like a good fantasy setup and I heard that people were liking it, so I decided to give it a watch. The first few minutes of episode 1 were really intense! The background music was awesome, and together with the big fantasy battle unfolding, it just gave off this epic feel. But that was a flashback and things got less epic in the real setting of the series…but it’s still been kind of entertaining since. I would probably like the series as much as everyone else except for one big damper…I don’t like the main character. I’m just not a fan of those careless, arrogant jerkass protagonist like Favaro who are played to be funny and maybe have a good side deep down, but I just find them obnoxious. I guess he is funny sometimes, but I can’t feel sympathy for him or want to root for him because I don’t like his personality, and since he’s the main character, that’s hurting my enjoyment of the series. The other two main characters, Kaiser and Amira, are alright, and I still find the heavy fantasy setting cool to watch and I sort of want to learn more about the show’s world. So I’ll see if I continue to watch the series or if Favaro will be too annoying for me XD
Kiseijuu: Sei no Kakuritsu
Episodes 1-2 so far
Kiseijuu, a.k.a. Parasyte the maxim, was the first series of the season I checked out after Fate/Stay Night and so far I’m liking it very much =D It’s enjoyably gruesome without being too gory, and the interactions between Shinichi and his alien hand Migi are interesting to watch (though I still don’t get why Aya Hirano’s new role in so long is a genderly-ambiguous alien hand of all things. Not that she isn’t doing a good job, it’s just strange casting). The premise in general is good – Shinichi has this alien that’s part of him and is sort of only looking out for itself yet seems to be growing somewhat attached to him, and meanwhile he’s struggling to cope with the whole thing while other aliens are trying to kill him and there’s a girl he likes…it’s good stuff. Episode 2 even brought up some nice food-for-thought as far as how humans are the closest things to demons in the world and the aliens are only doing to humans what humans do to other animals. There is some humor in the show surprisingly, but nothing too hyperbolic to ruin the otherwise dramatic mood (unlike a series I’ll get to later). And there was actually a reason for that one “fan service” scene in episode 1…Shinichi’s hand is possessed, so his accidental pervert moment is excused! XD So yeah, I think Parasyte is good so far. I guess the only question I have now is, “when people find the dead bodies of those dogs, or even all the murder victims, don’t they wonder why their heads look so alien-ish?”
Sanzoku no Musume Ronja
Episodes 1-2 so far
A sleeper series that’s currently not streaming anywhere and I don’t think anyone else is watching. This is Studio Ghibli’s first TV series (directed by Gorou Miyazaki) and fully CG animated work. I thought I wasn’t going to watch it because no subs were coming out, but finally Anime-Koi stepped up to sub it. After the first two episodes, I think it’s cute. The characters and world are very Ghibli-ish, so if you’re a Ghibli fan, I’m sure you’d like it. My main problem is that I prefer Ghibli’s “darker” stories like Nausicaa, Princess Mononoke, and even Spirited Away, and Ronja seems like it’s gonna be one of their very family-friendly, cutesy works like Totoro and Ponyo. So if Ronja goes on for too many episodes without much of any conflict arising, I’m not sure how long it’ll keep my interest. But for now it’s cute, and like other Ghibli works, it has beautiful art and likable, believable characters. The CG animation is probably what deters people from watching it, and yes, it is jarring at first. But I surprisingly got used to it before too long and it doesn’t look that bad in general. Some scenes don’t fare well with CG while there are others where it looks very 2D-like anyway. So it’s kind of a strange blend that’s using typical 2D Ghibli character designs made into 3D models. Not for everyone, but I’ll stick with it for now and see what happens.
Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso
Episodes 1-2 so far
The synopsis of this series (translated as “Your Lie in April”) sounded like it’d be a very nice, feels-y little drama anime, so I decided to give it a watch. Two episodes in and it is indeed a touching story and quite beautifully animated (the cherry blossoms, they’re everywhere!) There have already been several instances that combine piano music with an emotional or whimsical moment with pretty animation that creates some very engrossing and memorable scenes. Kaori’s performance in episode 2 was brilliantly done – I really felt like I was there! But unfortunately I have one gnawing problem with the show: the comedic moments are just awful. Again, it’s fine if a dramatic show wants to have funny moments, but they have to flow with the series and not feel like you’re suddenly pulled out of one show and placed in another, and that’s what the humor in Shigatsu Uso feels like to me. I’ll be enjoying a sweet moment between the characters and all of a sudden, boom, the mood is shattered and suddenly there’s these crudely drawn anime heads yelling and smacking each other around, making me feel like I was thrust out of this anime and into some slapstick cartoon, like the show is saying “Oh, I’ve been serious for too long,’LAUGH! LAUGH! LAUGH!’ okay, that’s enough, back to the show.” I don’t like being jerked around like that when I’m watching something, and it’s a shame that Shigatsu Uso has to do its humor that way because I like everything else about it. At this point I don’t think my beef with the show’s style of comedy is going to keep me from watching and liking it. I just know I would like it more without it. But oh well.
Mushishi Zoku Shou – 2nd season
Not yet watched
Not sure why this one’s airing so late into the season but I didn’t want to hold off on my first impressions post to wait for it. And it doesn’t matter because I’m 95% sure I’ll feel the same about it as I do about the previous Mushishi installments – I love them and think it’s a beautiful, unique, well written series. Looking forward to seeing more mysterious mushi when I start watching it later tonight!
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In addition to these, I’m also continuing Sword Art Online II and Sailor Moon Crystal from last season. I feel like I’m watching a bit more anime that usual so I might end up dropping Bahamut and/or Ronja depending on my free time and motivation in the coming weeks. Next time, I might have my Halloween post up a few days before Halloween, or I might have one more post before it. I’ll have to see what days I’ll have available for blogging during the rest of the month. But anyway, hope you guys are enjoying whatever fall anime you decided to watch. See ya soon~!
Great post, ever since their adaptations of Key titles (Clannad and such) I’ve also made it a point to check out most of KyoAni’s stuff (though I’ll never forgive the 2nd season of Chunibyou) and this new one looks to be pretty interesting. That and Shigatsu was Kimi no Uso look like the ones I’ll make a priority to see.
Recently though, my time for anime watching has shifted just a bit and been relegated to reading manga. Something I hadn’t gotten into much of in years! Well, that and making up lost time playing my 3DS. Soo many good games to play over these past couple years, so little time!
Well, I hope you enjoy Amagi Brilliant Park and Shigatsu Uso when you watch them. Maybe you won’t have the same issue with the latter that I have XD
Also hope you can get your Internet more stable so we can finally have a full Pokemon battle!
This season is pretty interesting. There are some good shows, and some really bad ones. I’m watching Shirobako, and I like it for the same reasons you do. It’s just interesting to see how anime is made, even if within an anime. Looks good so far. I have to start with Fate, have not started it yet. The Parasite one is really good! It’s quite different, and I find Nigi to be very… Realistic I guess? In the way he acts at least, is quite consistent, and good.
I’m not watching any of the others you mentioned… As you said, there is a lot of anime right now, so will try to focus on a few. Others that I’m watching:
Inou-Battle wa Nichijou-kei no Naka de: This one is really funny, and different! I would recommend this one. A bit of a different take on the Chunni aspect.
Gundam build fighters try: Ok so far, nothing out of the ordinary.
Ushinawareta Mirai wo Motomete: Pretty generic so far, nothing out of the ordinary.
Cross Ange: … Worst impression I had watching an anime so far. Anime from Sunrise, with mecha, so what could go wrong? Well, the end of the 1st episode went really wrong for me. I can understand showing the hardships that some characters can go through, but this was far too much… It just went too far, too fast. I’m pretty open minded, but it was just too cruel and sadistic, even if applied to fictional characters.
Still keeping up with SAO, Log Horizon, Hitsugi no Chaika, Akame ga Kil… Geh… Lots of anime to keep up with right now :S
There are some good anime this season but I still find myself looking forward to the new Fate episodes the most :3 Parasyte’s probably my second favorite. Migi’s depiction kind of reminds me of Kyubey from Madoka Magica – a creature that’s neither good nor bad but is doing what it must to survive even if it inexplicably causes some immoral things to happen.
I heard about the controversy with Cross Ange so I’m staying away from that one. The synopsis sounded interesting when I read it but when I heard what happened in the first episode I was like, “Eh, I should pass on this one.”
I actually haven’t started Ronja yet, but I’m going to soon. I’ve read the book (one of the fantasy stories of Astrid Lindgren, writer of Pippi Longstocking) and it gets quite serious after a bit. Other than that our watchings don’t really overlap this season, which is a little surprising considering I’m watching about eight or nine shows.
Oh, I didn’t know Ronja was based on a book. It’s good to know that it gets serious later on in the story…hopefully this adaptation will keep it that way.
Yeah, and I was super excited when I saw there was going to be an anime! I think I kind of startled everyone else in my house by freaking out in front of the computer…
BTW, are you taking the JLPT again this year? I passed n3 last year so I’m taking n2 this year in LA.
I have put off seasonal anime watching for the time being after a rather disappointing 2013 (and most of this year seemed to justify that step away, IMHO). In truth, I have been spending a better portion of the year absorbed in video games and watching the awesome Saverart deviantArt page like a hawk, but I digress.
All that being said, the Unlimited Blade Works anime seems interesting especially since I’ve taken more of a liking to Rin after watching the UBW movie months ago, although I certainly was a fan beforehand. Ufotable has proven itself to be one of the top studios in modern anime and their work both in TV anime and in the Tales series in often breathtaking.
Other than UBW, I can’t say I’m really intrigued this season, probably in part because I have been so out of the loop this year.
Well, if you’re gonna watch one anime this season, I’m glad it’s Fate/Stay Night, especially since you enjoyed the UBW movie (which I haven’t seen actually…will probably check it out after I watch this new series).
Yeah, I guess there haven’t been too many fantastically memorable anime the past couple of years, at least not like Madoka Magica or Attack on Titan levels. But there’s been enough that have ranged from “good” to “very good” for me to keep watching seasonally.
Yes. AFTER the new series. Don’t watch it during the cour break; you’ll just spoil it.
For me, Fall season has a good amount of good/interesting shows. Out of the Anime you mentioned, I’m watching Fate/stay night UBW. Amagi and Shirobako and so far and enjoying them (thankfully, PA Works didn’t manage to make another Glasslip again).
Yeah, I’m glad P.A. Works decided to go for something different than their usual whimsical slice-of-life stories like Glasslip. I don’t think Shirobako will be as good as Nagi no Asukara, but I think it’ll continue to be entertaining at least =)
I’m not really a fan of Amagi Brilliant Park. Free! was decent enough, and I did have respect for season one of Chuunibyou, but the last KyoAni anime I really liked is still Hyouka. The plot is unique, but I wouldn’t say interesting, and the humour just makes me weary.
I was mildly impressed by episode one of Shirobako, but the second absolutely floored me. Quite simply, I think it was fantastic from about the eleven-minute mark onwards. It was hilarious for a start, and the whole story it told was witty, human and, once their creative spirits united, inspiring. Apart from possibly some of the better moments of Ping Pong or Mushishi, it was easily my favourite moment of the year’s anime so far.
UBW is just a really high-quality ride so far. It’s gorgeous, interesting and, as you said, a little talky and slow-going. I wouldn’t hold it against the show too hard, though.
Bahamut was more entertaining than I was expecting. I agree that Favaro is kind of an annoying shit, but I do like the dynamic he brings.
I don’t think Kiseijuu’s strengths are quite as strong as UBW, but it’s probably the most consistently good show this season (hard to judge Mushishi only one episode in). The story’s cool and just plain interesting, and the characters are well developed. I’m certainly on board with the general high praise it’s received.
You’re in need of subs for Ronja? I watched the first two episodes raw just fine, and I’m pretty sure your Japanese is at least a level above mine. It’s not much more complicated than Pokémon, and you have no trouble with that, right? I don’t have any moderation or qualification for the visuals: I think it looks pretty damn lousy, and I’m steamed that a show with Ghibli so involved (its animation studio is actually Polygon Pictures) looks so cruddy, or at least the character art. The backgrounds look fine. The pace is ridiculously leisurely. The amount of the third episode that Ronja spent just wandering around the forest took me aback. I haven’t seen a show burn this much screen time since Aku no Hana. I think it’s overall a good show, though; I just wish it didn’t look like arse.
I can’t say I disagree with your comment on Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso’s humour, but I didn’t really notice it that much. I’m following the manga for this one. The first episode didn’t blow me away, but the performance in the second blew me away. The direction, animation and of course the music itself were fantastic. I really hope every performance has that level of quality.
There’s not much to say about Mushishi. Episode 13 – or 11, as ANN sees fit to call it – is another that focuses on Ginko’s past, and is melancholy, beautiful and really interesting.
You’re watching pretty much all the series I’d recommend most strongly already. I was really impressed by Kokkuri-san’s and Inou Battle’s first episodes, but haven’t felt the magic as much with the following ones. I’m liking Akatsuki no Yona more than I was expecting, even if it is more than a bit clichéd. Tomino’s new Gundam series is very Tomino, and you’ll probably know if that takes your fancy or not. Grisaia no Kaijitsu is all right. The best thing about it is the visuals, including the unusual-for-a-TV-anime aspect ratio. I wish my Japanese were at a level where I could enjoy Narihero www (or for that matter, last season’s excellent Minarai Diva) because people don’t seem interested in subbing it. I think Magic Kaito 1412 is the superior of the two kids’ phantom thief shows, with better characters and a more interesting setup. Dengi-gai no Honya-san, Yuuki Yuuna wa Yuusha de Aru, Garo, Danna ga Nani wo Itteiru ka Wakaranai Ken, Ookami Shoujo, Nanatsu no Taizai, Orenchi no Furo Jijou, Donten ni Warau, Karen Senki, SeHa Girl, Daitoshokan no Hitsujikai, Ushinawareta Mirai wo Motomete and Koiaji Pâtisserie (in order from best to worst) are all interesting enough for what they are.
I find that I simply don’t buy a lot of those “self-aware” dumb semi-parody shows. I found Date A Live intolerable, for instance. With Ore, Twintails ni Narimasu, I was totally on board. It’s not fantastic, but I do find it quite funny and not at all bad.
Sora no Method isn’t great, but I do find the saucer angle intriguing. As a fellow Japanese student, I’d be interested to find out what you think of Chloe the French girl’s Japanese in Girlfriend (Kari). I enjoyed Karen in Kiniro Mosaic and Kate in Sketchbook ~full color’s~, but for some reason Chloe’s mangled pronunciation (compared with her near-total fluency in terms of vocabulary) makes me want to stick an ice pick in my ears. The show as a whole is weird and kind of empty.
I assume you’ve heard of the disappointed reactions to World Trigger. The animation I can handle, but the lifeless direction does bother me. Terra Formars is dumb and kind of cruddy, and the censoring is so awful it’s actually funny. I wasn’t impressed by the first two episodes of Madan no Ou to Vanadis, but I did like the third one quite a bit, and am looking forward to seeing whether or not it remains good.
Sequels I’m watching: Log Horizon, Psycho-Pass, Yowamushi Pedal, Hitsugi no Chaika and Selector Spread WIXOSS.
Continuations: PriPara, Argevollen, Akame ga Kill, Yama no Susume, Sailor Moon Crystal, Maido! Urayasu Tekkin Kazoku, SAO, Dragon Ball Kai, Happiness Charge Precure!, Youkai Watch, Pokémon XY and Ace of Diamond.
And I think the only anime that leaves is Cross Ange. It has that Sunrise problem of interesting characters and solid character writing… with a pants-on-head bonkers plot. It’s absolutely not boring, and I’m actually really enjoying the high-energy and deadly serious insanity, but from a dispassionate standpoint I can’t call it anything remotely approaching “good”. It’s a total blast, though, and I’m honestly glad people still make anime like it.
Yeah, I feel like I might get weary of AmaBuri eventually, but for now I’m still enjoying it.
I agree with your thoughts on Kiseijuu and UBW =) And while I like Shirobako, I don’t think I like it quite as much as you do XD But I’m glad you’re enjoying it so much and hopefully you’ll continue to do so.
Well, I’m pretty sure I could watch Ronja without subs and be fine, but I prefer subs just so I don’t miss anything (for an anime with really dispensable episodes like Pokemon, I don’t care if I miss things here and there). I can agree that the animation is certainly gonna drive some people away; I’m tolerating it but I can’t say it’s good. And yeah, they spent way too much time in ep 3 with Ronja just frolicking around the forest being impressed by everything. So I was that much more grateful that the episode got slightly darker in the end. I’m still willing to give the show more time to grow on me.
I’m not enjoying the whole show that much, but I really do think that whole extended sequence in Shirobako’s episode two was masterful. I did enjoy episode three quite a lot, too, though. Looking forward to Ronja developing, too (character and show).
This has been like my Ghibli year. All four of the films I’ve seen in cinemas have been by or about Studio Ghibli (Marnie, Kaguya, The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness and Isao Takahata and his Princess Kaguya), I’ve also got around to seeing The Wind Rises and The Cat Returns and now Miyazaki junior has a TV series I’m watching. I think I might try and watch the rest of their movies that I haven’t so far, just to make it more of a thing.
I’m glad to hear you say you get used to the CG in Ronja, since this is a story from my childhood I’ve been really excited about watching it. Haven’t, yet, because of extra busy-ness at school (intensive 2 week courses, why do they exist? x.x), but I’m looking forwards to starting.
I also really like Shigatsu so far, although I agree the comedy is a bit over the top it doesn’t bother me as much. I hope it’ll stay great.
Other than that I’m watching Sora no Method, which I’m loving so far, Ookami shoujo, which I started because I haven’t watched romance in a while but am already thinking of dropping, and Inou-Battle, which is interesting but still just okay. If I drop Ookami shoujo I think I’ll pick up Shirobako. I do really want to watch that :)
Yeah, I’m still liking Ronja so far. Can’t say I love it or anything…but that could change. I’ve gotten used to the CG at this point anyway =P
If you want to see how the anime industry works, Shirobako is a must-watch =D
The only series from your list that I’m currently watching is Fate/Stay Night, but I’ve been seeing a few of the others around here and there, so I might check them out at a later time (maybe after you review them).
I’ve been loving the new Fate/Stay Night adaptation though, and, like you, I really enjoyed the original 2006 anime adaptation by Deen (and although it was heavily criticized) and thought it was pretty true to the VN except for a few sections. The first couple of prologue episodes were a nice touch imo, it gave a little bit of background information, and also helped to show Rin and Shirou’s personality as well. It seems like they’re primarily focusing on the UBW route but I’ve already seen one reference to Heaven’s Feel (when Gilgamesh walked past Sakura), so I’m interested in seeing how Ufotable is going to handle the rest of the series. Like always with Ufotable, the animation quality is simply stunning. Rin’s also my favorite character as well!
Yeah, I’m still loving the new Fate/Stay Night :3
I agree that the 2006 series was quite good even if the animation wasn’t up to par; sometimes bad animation can affect my enjoyment, especially for a very action-heavy anime, but since everything else about it was so good, the less than stellar animation didn’t bother me.
I’m interested in seeing the Heaven’s Feel arc. I’m not a big fan of Sakura, at least compared to Rin and Saber, but I’d still like to see her story anyway.