HTF Anime Discussion Part VII - Page 93

Just came back here after spending some time on anime-planet and anime-forums. Didnt realize I was so freakin old. All nice people there but talk about young. Lots of 14 - 17 year old and 21 year olds calling themselves "Old". So at 35 I must be dead! Heh! I know there is a pretty good spread of ages here so I think I'm more at home - and a "veteran" and all.

Anyhow, I've never posted in an anime thread here before but I'm a huge fan.

Regarding Witch Hunter Robin - I'm watching that now, just finished Disk 2 and its incredible. Hot off the heals of finishing Last Exile, Gasaraki and Rahxephon I think I'm in anime nirvana! What great content.

I'm on temporary hiatus from Robin because I ordered the soundtrack. I need that to arrive so I can commute and work to the tunes of course! Best music in anime yet.

Todd: I'm 23 and the anime kiddies make ME feel old. There's some kind of huge abyss like generation gap between my age and the teenagers these days. I am not sure what happened that caused this lol so I totally feel for you there. Other anime forums make me feel uncomfortable but here I'm right at home and everyone is so cool.

I want to see steamboy but have not yet found a theater that's showing it or anyone that wants to go with me (HATE going to movies by myself, it makes me feel...weird).... oh well

I'll be hitting 31 come the end of march, so I understand what Todd McF is saying. Most forums I frequent are full of younger and "new" fans of anime who have not gone through those lean anime years of the 80's and 90's.

Not only that but with fansubs and digisubs and their distribution through the 'Net, many don't understand what it does to copyrights or are very very defensive when called out about bootlegs and fansubs. Hairtrigger tempers flare, silly flaming/trolling occur, and so on and so forth.

The HTF forums, I am proud to say, is one of my havens from such goings on. Especially as everyone here purchases legitimate anime and discusses most topics rationally and are open to suggestions.


Todd McF: Welcome to the Advance Anime Discussion Thread, and hope to "see" you here often.

I really feel old-I'm 38. I am also currently watching WHR. Good stuff. You're on a good roll-you can't do much better than Last Exile or Rahxephon, IMO.

Hey my brother is 37 and is watching Last Exile. At least at our ages we can afford nice equipment!

I'm 31 but I've only become an Anime fan in the last few years. Now, whats a fan sub?

Fansubs are simply a short hand for fan subtitled video.

In the old days, someone from Japan would send a VHS of a show, which would be taken by the fansubber, and subtitled them on a vhs deck with such features. Then, they'd distribute it on their mailing list etc etc.

Today it's done a lot differently with people doing it on their pcs (and being called digi-subs) but the idea is the same.

At 33, I'm another old timer . I agree with Woo about the 'generation gap'. A lot of the kids these days think that they are entitled to things (including anime), and don't seem to understand that there is a price to be paid for everything.

Anyway, a hearty irrasshaimase! to Todd .

John.

You don't really feel old until you attend an anime convention. It is amazing how much younger anime fans are.

Nice, tho, that there were some that recognised my Lupin III costume. I even got my picture taken at Katsucon.

Funny you bring up fansubs, since I was just talking with the guy at my local anime video rental store about it. Apparently, they've had some problems of people renting their stuff and ripping it. I also found out the Pandora's Cube finally got nailed for renting and selling fansubs.

Jason

I went to my one and only Sci Fi convention when I was 15. There was no such thing as an anime convention back then. Everyone was "old" and dressed up like Dune, Star Trek and Dr Who characters. Probably in their 20's heh!

I vaguely recall seeing some Gundam, Battle of the Planet and Star Blazers collectables.

Speaking of StarBlazers, I was huge into Star Blazers when I was 9 but had NO idea it was anime or even Japanese at that point. Same thing with Battle of the Planets. Remember that one? With Casey Kasem as Mark LOL!

I'm rambling ....

I've always wanted to attend an anime convention (one of those "geeky" things that's on my list to do someday). Hopefully my daughter will be into it and we can go together. There's no way I'm going by myself to one. I almost went with a friend once but she ended up having to work that day that it was going on, which is just as well because I didn't have a costume. Go to a convention and not cosplay? Blasphemy!

Speaking of "older" anime fans - my mom is 58 and likes Slayers, Magic Knight Rayearth and the Miyazaki films. But she also watches all types of Sci-Fi, listens to heavy metal and plays video games so.... I mean, that's not the 'norm'. And that's a shame!

Finished Fushigi Yugi. Beware of.... spoilers....


Warning: Spoiler! (Click to show)

Fushigi was an interesting series and one that I'm glad I watched. The first set, Suzaku had me addicted to it hardcore and Seiryu kinda bogged down a bit with some filler material but it all paid off in the end. If anyone hasn't checked it out yet, I would say its definitely worth it. Kinda Soap Opera-ish in the cross relationships but much cooler of course. The whole thing I would put in the B+ range.

Just got Naussicaa, Valley of the Wind. I knew my viewing on HBO would vinally pay off.

Just wanted to report in about Saber Marionette R.

First off, I've never seen a Saber episode before but I'm glad I saw this OVA. The plot it typical - exile prince has to face his usurping brother to regain the throne. How original eh? Both sides have android fighters to do the dirty work. Sabers on the good side and Sexadolls on the bad. You read that right. Sexadolls. You know you're in for something different with a name like that!

The great thing about this show is the satire of the genre. To give you an idea - the first thing it pokes fun at is Fan Service. The Sabers are very cartoony and lack any definable female shape - so when you get a Fan Service shot its so laughable its obvious the director taking a poke at the over sexed genre. I also loved the conversation the first time the Sabers faced a Sexadoll, which just finished some "excessive" city remodeling:

"Who are you?"
"I'm a Sexadol!"
"Why are you destroying the city?"
"I don't need a reason!"

Classic! When was the last time an anime villain in a show like this offered a reason worth hearing anyway?

Then there is the "Girl Circuit". This is the aspect of the show and what makes Saber worth watching. The "Girl Circuit" is what separates the Sabers from both the Sexadolls and any run of the mill android. It not only infuses the Saber with human feelings but provides a satire vehicle - poking fun at anime androids like Armitage and GITS, female stereotypes and sappy romance. The "Girl Circuit" is of course imperfect and it is clearly driving Saber "Cherry" (around 14/15) into romantic desperation - like a hormonal imbalance. She will do literally anything to get the attention of the prince - fetch sodas, ice creams, fawn over his every need and call every situation a "date" even when the younger Saber Lime is around. Lime's Girl Circuit is more appropriate for her pre-adolescent age - simply desperate for approval. It’s all very funny and extremely endearing. And oh, the Neon Genesis Evangelion poke did not slip by me - where Cherry yells "I am not a doll!". HEH!

Combat later in the show is nicely over the top - and the Sabers give and take some serious abuse.

I always thought the Saber series was for kids but I assure you Saber Marionette R is not. The packaging however, which shows a sexadoll in a "compromising" position may boost sales but totally misrepresents the nature of the show. Without the satire I'd give the show a 'C' but I liked it enough to give it a 'B+'. As I understand it, Saber 'J' is nothing like this release, but I'll have to get my hands on it anyway. The "Girl Circuit" alone is worth the price of admission. This title is available at most BlockBusters by the way – at least on the East Coast USA.

Sci-Fi conventions are very different than Anime conventions. As you saw, the fan base is much older for Sci-Fi. While Anime conventions are in the tens in numbers, Sci-Fi conventions could have been going on for about 30, 40, or 50 years. I've certainly been to both kinds, and there is a huge difference in the demographics.

I also need to remind myself that most of the scantly-clad girls are jailbait, and I shouldn't stare too hard.. :b

Jason

As a followup, I did end up picking up Gunparade March. You are correct, it does ring up for the $24.99. I did watch the first disc. So far, nothing earthshattering. A bit too lighthearted for the concept of the series, but presumably that will change as the series goes on.

Jason

Hi Everyone,
I am new to this thread and would like some recommendations please. I have all the Ghibli movies which are excellent as everyone knows.I have just watched Last Exile and Haibane Renmei which I thought were amazing and would like to know of similar animes.
Thanks, John

I'd recommend Rahxephon. Good sci-fi and a touch of that mystical angle like Haibane.

Of course, like Last Exile, the sci-fi setting is really a backdrop for character development. Characters in Rahxephon are a bit more developed than Last Exile. I actually think Rahxephon is slightly better.

One warning though - both Haibane and Last Exile's are 1.78 anamorphic widescreen. Rahxephon is 1.33.

Check out the trailer on http://www.neorahxephon.com. Its a good one.

I finished Someday's Dreamers (went through this in two days), and well.... I have to say that I was disappointed. The last two episodes where everything came together was worth the trip though. It just drags in the beginning and there are a few characters (like the annoying lil girl, what's her name? Rana?) that seemed unnecessary. I did like the fact that everday people came across personality wise as being complete assholes. The way they were written was very natural. Yume was a good character til they "hicked" up her southern accent and made her sound like a regular hayseed. Blegh. All in all, not bad but could have been better. What was the significance of the dolphin symbol for her ring and how come we never saw much of the Brit chick's loverboy again?

Warning: Spoiler! (Click to show)

Now I've moved on to Legend of Black Heaven. Wow I'm an anime-maniac these days (heheh!) This has a completely different artstyle and I love the cheesypoo B movie premise. Guitarist must save world from aliens! Sweet! There are so many Michael Schenker references in this.... which is awesome. Seeing the record of "Assault Attack" and then it getting run over by a car was equally heartbreaking for me. Schenker was truly a guitar god from 1970-1991 before he started sucking out so this is awesome to see. The art style is different from anythin I've seen recently, a more realistic look with darker colors. The OP freaks me out there, being kinda modern and weird... don't know what's up with that... but I love the song done by John Sykes. Very happy with this so far and glad because it was freakin' expensive. Damn Pioneer/Geneon with their expensive releases.

Has anyone seen Overman King Gainer?

I read about the concept in NewType and it sounded interesting but the Dub in the trailer literally makes me want to toss my lunch. The dialog is really, really, really bad. I never listen to Dubs anyway, but it ruins the trailer.

Also, I've never seen a Gundam show before (same director) but I've always had the impression that its a kid's show?

Advise would be nice. I'm not expecting Evangelion here, but I don't have the stomach for Robotech either.

Finished Utena this weekend, saw Sakura Wars: Essential Collection, and restarted Chobits (and went to my monthly anime club meet (albeit late) where I caught the second half of episode 1 plus all of ep 2 of Yakitate! Japan, and my favorite anime so far, Samurai Seven.

Revolutionary Girl Utena is a A- series for me. 39 episodes and very good characterizations. Both art and duels are annoying at times, but the characterization of Anthy Himemiya and Tenjou Utena and how they relate to each other makes this series - especially the last story arc - so worthwhile. Dunno if I'll see the movie yet, but the TV series is recommended.

Sakura Wars is a series based on a simple but wildly popular strategy rpg / dating sim called Sakura Wars released in the mid 90's on the Dreamcast (coincidentally never released here ;_; ) The show is pretty fun and has a well rounded cast of characters. This disc held four episodes, and covers teh creation of the Core group of characters.... I hope the OVAs and TV series are more indepth than this introduction to the series (not much fighting).

Yakitate! Japan tells the story of a boy who wants to make a 'Japan' bread, and is gifted with hands that stay at the perfect temperature for kneading bread. Very Very funny, and highly recommended. (Yes, an anime about breadmaking that's just absolutely awesome. - Just like anime to make an obscure topic completely watcheable )

Samurai Seven is the retelling of the Seven Samurai tale but set way in teh future, and has both kickass characters, action, and humour in one continuous story. (Unlike Samurai Champloo, which is more episodic in nature). Very well done, and so far having seen 8 eps at a club gets better and better (B+/A- for me for sure, where as Samurai Champloo is like a B/B+ for me).

And thanks to club, I started to rewatch Chobits again, and finished 2 eps and fell asleep on ep 3 ;_; . What the heck is it about CLAMP series and me???!

Also got Cromartie High and used Tiny Snow Fairy Sugar 1, 2, 5. Will get the rest later.

Also got Mahoromatic 1-3, Sakura Wars TV 1, Card Captor Sakura 11 among others...

Alanna,

I'm with you on the Geneon thing. They are evil incarnate. Last Exile and Armitage OVA are the only products I've forked it over for so far.

Looks like they've got me for Gungrave though...

Bastards!

Welcome to new members of the thread.

John Green - also depends on if you want new stuff and generally what kind of shows you want - action, romance, comedy, fantasy, sci fi, sports - anime has a large breadth of topics and characters.

I'd say if you want serious dramatic fantasy, try Vision of Escaflowne TV, Twelve Kingdoms, amd Berserk- those are very good. For Vampire action, try Hellsing. For harem type anime, I'd say stick with the original Tenchi Muyo! OVA 1 and throw in El Hazard: The Magnificent World OVA 1 as well. There are lots more recommendations, but I'll stop there...

Todd McF:

I am no huge Gundam fan, but I'd say start with the Gundam Movie Trilogy. It is a condensing of Mobile Suit Gundam sans Zaku of the Week type episodes, and you'd be surprised at how good at characterization the series is and how thoroughly war affects the characters. And yes, it is used to sell toys/model kits. That said, most of the older series are still good to watch and covers the morally ambivalent/ambiguous nature of war very very well (plus killing off of main characters.)

Todd McF:

Just so you know, Saber Marionette R and the Saber Marionette J series aren't really related or are so distantly relates as to not matter (i.e. no references to R in any of the J series). And Saber Marionette J is still a good series to watch, and the last third of SMJ is very dramatic and well done. So is SMJ-to-X, but I'd rate SMJ over SMJ-to-X.

The "Maiden Circuit" idea still exists in SMJ series as in SMR but is much better fleshed out.

Alanna:

You must have watched the dub, then. I think the current style in dubbing is to portray Kansai or 'country' people with southern accents. Since I stick to subs, that's not usually much of a problem .

John:

If you liked Haibane-Renmei, then you'll like Someday's Dreamers. Along with Last Exile, Haibane-Renmei and Someday's Dreamers were the best series to come out last year (IMHO).

John.

Good to see ya here, JohnAD

One of these days, I need to put together a list of what series I have all together, complete and incomplete. Will prolly take half a day or something :p

I saw a couple of episodes at Katsucon. It looked alright. The basic plot seems to be a group of people taking themselves and part of a city on a pilgramage to another place. It also involves the thieft of the title item, and the pilot is an unwilling participant in all of this. The rulers of the rest of the city are all after these guys.

The plot description reminds me a bit of "Logan's Run", just from a view of people leaving their safe existance to quest for what is unknown. From what I've seen, it does look a bit deeper than your standard Gundam show, so I wouldn't worry about it.

Also, I saw it subbed, so I can't judge how bad the dub is.

Jason

Thanks Jason.

I guess I'll grab the first one and just give it a shot. Bandai lists the title as 4:3 aspect ratio but every review I've seen has it at 1.78 anamorphic. That would be a big selling point if its true.