Spring 2012 Anime and whatever else…
When I watch anime, I generally watch a combination of currently running series (simulcasts) and older series and films. I hadn’t really decided what I would be watching from the new season until the last few days. The currently running shows that I’m interested in so far and have already watched the first episodes: Zetman and Space Brothers.
Zetman can be watched on Hulu or VizAnime for free. It’s based off the manga (how many series aren’t?) which I haven’t read so I won’t be able to chime in if it stays true to canon. Honestly, I really don’t care as long as the show is good. I want to be entertained by a good story with memorable characters, and unique artwork. I can say that Zetman has intrigued me. For some reason, I got a Dragonball feel from it; not in the terms of characters looking for dragonballs but the “when I go hard, I go Super Saiyan on your ass”. The main character is a young man named Jin which we’re told means “human” who has a mysterious mark on his left hand. From what we see in the first episode, Jin has no concept of reality because his “grandfather” gives him lessons that don’t exactly make sense but in the large scheme of things, they do. The episode starts out with monsters fighting it out in an arena, they turn on the spectators and escape. You see a man run out with a baby in his arms. It’s quite easy to figure out who the baby is after a while. Jin and his “grandfather” are homeless and are struggling to survive. There is a lot of action in this first episode, it is definitely for mature audiences and I think I may like it. It looks like there will be a lot of mystery and violence involved and I’m hoping for a cohesive story with a superb ending. It has a very dark and intense vibe to it but I’m excited about that.
Space Brothers is the complete opposite of Zetman. While Zetman was serious, violent, and dark; Space Brothers was a corny romp through cherry blossom fields. I’m not sure if I will continue to watch this show unless it is able to get some substance. The first episode was pretty silly and I decided to watch it because hey, it’s about brothers in space! So far it seems like its more about one brother is in space (he’s been winning since the day he was born) while the other is trying to get into space after a number of pitfalls (he’s been losing since the day he was born). There is also a live action movie coming out in May which might be better than the anime from the looks of it.
Lupin III: Mine Fujiko to Iu Onna, really excited about this one. It aired in Japan on April 4th and Funimation has picked up the licensing rights for simulcasts so we will be able to see it in North America. Looks like it might have fanservice but I am willing to ignore it in hopes of a great show from Lupin III. It’s been a long time since we have seen Lupin III and his crazy antics. Lupin III was before my time but it didn’t stop me from watching all the old shows. I can’t wait to see what trouble he is going to get himself into and I love the drawing style of the characters.
I’m finishing up Mirai Nikki which has exploded in the last few episodes. I had no idea the show was going to this route. Everything I predicted was wrong. Everything. Ok, well maybe not everything. It was pretty obvious Yuno was crazy and lying about everything and that Murmur had a special interest in the game. I’m not sure yet if I am pleased with the way things are turning out or confused. It might be a combination of both. Who knew there would be time travel involved? That infinite loop of having the same outcome over and over again no matter what you change. Yuki is still as stupid as ever. He’s shown some spunk in brief spurts but goes back to being a sniveling weakling that has to constantly be saved. I guess that’s only natural seeing as he wasn’t much of an active participant in his own life to began with.
So what are you watching and/or finishing this season? If you’re a manga reader, what are you reading?
- Posted in: Anime ♦ Japan ♦ Manga
- Tagged: Animation, Anime, Dragon Ball, Funimation Entertainment, Future Diary, Lupin III, manga, Simulcast, Space Brothers, Zetman
THE LADY AND ANIME 
Let’s see… this season, I’m finishing up Mirai Nikki.
Currently watching: Zetman, Mysterious Girlfriend X, Accel World, Rock Lee & His Ninja Pals
Planning to watch soon: Sankarea, Kore wa Zombie desu ka? of the Dead, Tsuritama, Eureka Seven AO (Hopefully)
What do you think of Zetman so far? I thought about watching Rock Lee & His Ninja Pals but I have so many old anime shows I want to watch so I’m limiting my simulcasts this season.
I decided I was going to do a Spring 2012 preview post for my blog, so I’m pretty much watching the first episode of everything that’s being legally simulcast. (Except for “Nazo no Konojo X.” Something about a guy getting hooked on a girl’s drool… I’m good.) The only three I’ve gotten to watch so far are “Hiiro no Kakera” (eh, it’s all right), “OZMA” (art style is a bit too dated for me, but I love one of the characters), and “Space Brothers” (which I actually thought was really charming and fun — a definite watch for me). “Zetman” is on my short list of shows I’m excited to give a try along with “Nyarko-San: Another Crawling Darkness” because who doesn’t want to watch a show about Lovecraft-ian horrors anthropomorphized as cute girls?
I’m also getting the chance to read more manga that I have in the recent past, so I’m picking up “Dawn of the Arcana” and “The Earl and the Fairy,” two titles that have female leads but some action mixed in as well. I also got to read the first volume of “Gate 7” by Clamp and adored it!
I forgot to put that I’m watching Space Brothers on Crunchyroll. You are going to have a lot of shows to watch. I applaud those who are able to do a preview post for each season. I do not have the time to watch every first episode so I have to pick what I think I may like and go from there. The previews of Nazo no Konojo X have been pretty good so far but I was also a bit thrown off about the drool. I still may watch the first episode. Ozma’s art style is outdated but that is part of the charm for me. Haven’t watched it just yet but I have a feeling I will because I don’t mind a bit of nostalgia. This will also explain why I am interested in the rebirth of Lupin III. It’s a similar art style.
I didn’t dislike Space Brothers and the second episode will be getting a watch. It just came off a little cornballish to me and I am not enamored with the older brother. He annoyed me and man is he ugly! Haha. I did like his mother and the younger brother which might be the point the show is trying to make. The older brother is a loser and he wants to win especially since he is the older brother.
I’m still trying to get through Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle at the moment. The only thing that bothers me about the anime version of the CLAMP manga is the amount of unnecessary recaps at the beginning of each episode. Drives me nuts! Why can’t they just go straight to the episode itself?
I also have so many anime DVD series I bought or got as gifts that I need to watch. I’m very slow with my anime viewing.
There is nothing wrong with taking your time with your anime viewing. I have completely slowed down the last couple of seasons. There is so much out there that I don’t have the time to watch everything and live my life. I know what you mean about the unnecessary recaps! Really? You just had to waste five minutes of time? Its insane!
Just found your blog. Some nice blog you have there. Love your short opinions and reviews. Mind if we exchange links? I’ll add you. Mine is: http://figureculture.wordpress.com/
Thanks,
Figure Culture