Greywings Anime

I’m having such a difficult time just keeping up with episode reviews on this little outpost in the backwaters of the anime blogosphere. I can’t even imagine trying to maintain the “conversations” all those cool power-bloggers hold from time to time. Instead, I’m resorting to the batch summary of the anime I’ve watched since the last post.

Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuutso 19-22: I’m getting the same feeling that I got when I watched the first season in the novel order: there just isn’t that much that really wowed me. The plot’s sticking to the novel’s, but there isn’t much in the animation or direction that is keeping me interested. Let’s hope Disappearance is different (should it actually be animated).

Umineko no Naku Koro ni 8-9: The lack of impact continues. So many big moments completely subdued by subpar directing and animation. And I really don’t understand the censorship, since they’re showing the blood anyway. Haven’t really picked up anything new the mystery in these episodes, although the emphasis on the Wolf and Sheep puzzle was nicely handled. I’m just worried that the censors are going to ruin the later parts of the arc.

Bakemonogatari 6-8: I enjoyed this last arc, if only for Miyuki Sawashiro’s smexy tomboyish charms. The love triangle was somewhat intriguing, but it looks to be pretty much resolved at this point. Supposedly things will start tying together soon, but knowing SHAFT / Shinbo, it’ll just continue this facade of an underlining plot for the rest of the season. Which would be perfectly fine with me. And on a side note, it seems odd that so much violence and ‘gore’ was shown while Umineko has to censor every little cut. I guess being artistically styled makes it tasteful.

Aoi Hana 1-9: Got caught up with this one over the past two weeks. It is a beautifully done J.C. Staff show with very elegant nuances. Too bad there’s only two more episodes left, as I wouldn’t mind following the shoujo-ai slice-of-life adventures of Fumi and Acchan for a couple more months.

Goku Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei 1-3: Finally finished this OVA on my PSP at the gym. Not much to say other than it was standard SZS fair, which I’ve gotten slightly bored of. Will probably start Zan sometime soon, probably on the PSP as well (it’s a good distraction while running).

One thing I’m particularly proud of is that I am watching all the shows this season raw. And for the most part, I’m able to follow along, especially since for Haruhi and Umineko, I’m already familiar with the plot. I think it came initially out of not wanting to wait for fansubs that vary in release time, and just going directly for the raws which are much more regular (except for the random sporting events messing things up like with Bakemonogatari). However, it does take some of the enjoyment out as I usually have to go dig for a blog with an episode summary to fill in the gaps. Still, I was going to do it eventually anyway, and better sooner than later.

In weaboo news, my quest to collect all the Clannad LE DVDs got a push forward with Season 1 volumes 1&2. Also got K-On Vol.2 on Blu-Ray along with Maddy Caddy. Would like to be able to collect the Haruhi DVDs this time around, but we’ll see.

And lastly, I am seriously looking into applying to the JET program for 2010. Everyone that I’ve talked to who’s gone has had nothing but great things to say about it.