princess tutu discussion

A couple of people have expressed interest in discussing Princess Tutu. I have watched the first 5 episodes and have really enjoyed the anime so far. It certainly has a story-book feel to it and reminds me at times of Kodocha (both the animation and the cute, yet silly, heroines). While the ballet theme is somewhat central to the story, it's not overwhelming. I think what I've enjoyed the most about Princess Tutu thus far is how light-hearted and innocent it is. While I also enjoy the darker, heavier anime, it's fun to change it up with something so light and airey (maybe it's the ballet that makes it feel that way).

As for a discussion, if anyone else would be interested in starting this anime up, let us know in the comment section. We can pace our discussion on who is closest to the beginning. I know this series is available via netflix (that is how I am watching it), and while I've never seen it in stores, I have seen it online at amazon.

Ranma 1/2

I recently got a chance to check out this long runner at my anime club's Valentine's Day party last week, and I liked it enough to check out more of it myself since it's available in relatively cheap thinpak box sets. Chances are, even if you haven't seen an episode of Ranma yourself, you've probably at least heard of it as an anime fan. It was Rumiko Takahashi's big thing before she created Inuyasha and also one of the first series to establish those initial waves of popularity in the US in the mid 90's alongside stuff like DBZ and Sailor Moon. Sure, it still features some of that will they or won't they romantic drama that Inuyasha seems to enjoy so much, but the thing I like about this series as opposed to IY is that it definitely doesn't take itself nearly so seriously. Yeah, you've got the male lead Ranma and the female lead Akane acting like they hate each other most of the time even though it's obvious they'll end up together in the end, but then you've got all these crazy martial art rivalries and love triangles, which become even crazier when Ranma transforms into a girl thanks to the weird curse that's the whole point of the series. Admittedly, it seems like the whole formula has the potential to get somewhat stale in later seasons, but hey, it's enjoyable to me for now, if a bit dated.

A Respite From Dead Blogs

Not that I really have much to say, but the fact that not much has gone on in here for a while is frustrating.

I did acquire some new stuff, and am in the process of watching them as I can. I got the Shin Chan season 2 first box, One Piece's third voyage, and the first disc of Baccano! which I'd been looking forward to in particular. Also in the middle of watching Princess Tutu, and finally getting started on the One Piece manga (I have the first two volumes) while I wait for the next Fruits Basket.

Also, other good news, my friend watched Spirited Away and is now looking for more anime and asking for recommendations to suit her tastes. She likes horror movies, so I suggested something like Hellsing, which is about as horror as I go, to start. Any other recommendations would be appreciated so I can pass them along to her.

Mushishi discussion

I'm not real sure how we're doing this so that people don't get spoiled. I just saw the first 4 episodes and would really like to discuss it. Several of us are watching it together in a chat on Thursday nights (2 episodes at a time, starting at midnight eastern). When I'm done watching I would love to chat about it but I'm too tired by then. I've been holding off on watching it because I wanted to be able to discuss it. No one in the Tuesday night chats wanted to do this one and I still don't understand why.

In general I'd just like to say that it's an absolutely gorgeous show. The color palettes used in each episode are so vivid. Even the music is beautiful. I already feel like I need to watch these 4 episodes again. I guess I'll put more thoughts in the comments.

Mobile Suit Gundam 00

I've been trying to watch Gundam 00 on Sci-Fi, but I've really only been able to watch one episode.

Truth be told, I was a little leery of getting into the show because the last Gundam series, Gundam Seed Destiny, left a really bad taste in my mouth (the series could've been decent, but it just trainwrecked. New characters were tossed aside for the old ones [I don't mind that, if it makes sense], the entire "Good" faction had plot armor [basically, they were invulnerable due to the plot wanting it to be so. Hell, the entire last battle, they didn't get SCRATCHED], so many recaps for a 50 episode show [including one in the home stretch, 41-50!], etc).

However, Gundam 00 did have one BIG thing going for it. The director they hired for it was Seji Mizushima, the director for Fullmetal Alchemist. Also, the story would be set more in "our" world instead of a different one (its set a good 300 years in the future and deals with how we overcame the oil crisis).

One of my friends loves the series, and so based on his suggestion (he, like me, loathes Gundam Seed Destiny. He and I will curse that series until our dying day, I'm sure), I started to watch Gundam 00. If you like mecha, I highly suggest this series. I felt it started out a little slow, but once it got in gear it was great. I also liked it because just when you start to get the feeling some character is invulnerable, they get their butts kicked.

Anyone else following it? (either on Sci-Fi or other means) What do you think?

Sonny Strait's Webcomic

Just a fun little note for anyone who is a fan of Sonny Strait. He has just started a webcomic! www.carbombscomic.com. The first panel is amusing, as is the accompanying note. Not that it has a lot to do with anime, but he being a VA, I still consider it worthwhile to post in here for his fans.

The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya

We finished it up last night! We're going to buy it in June (or at least, some time soon), and we don't buy just any anime we come across. If you haven't seen this one yet, you are missing out on something unique, hilarious, random, and addicting.

For those who have seen it, I remember Combat mentioning that this story might be fun to discuss. I'll leave that to the comment section.

Finally, I read up a little online after completing the series. There is really too much information for me to sort through with any sort of efficiency, so I thought I'd ask if anyone knows anything about future seasons, the light novels, or the manga. If you do, please let me know!