Sure, why not - looks decent, apart from one bit in the end, and it's not like they were going to do justice to the original anyway. I'm opposed to the adaptation mostly because of Johansson - Motoko. Really generic choice for an iconic character - though I guess she'll boost the box office appeal, and that's what most studio are concerned with.Do I dare click play on that GITS trailer, @Invictus ?
Television The Caf' Anime Thread
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In the latest episode of the United Hour Podcast, Nik (@Rood) is joined by CEO Duncan Drasdo and Financial Director Andy Green from the Manchester United Supporters Trust for a special episode on all things behind the scenes at Old Trafford including a brief history of MUST and their aims today, views on INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe so far, and the Old Trafford regeneration.
I watched the first ep of Mushishi and it was kind of interesting, but it didn't exactly hook me or anything. Does it become more engaging later on?
Just watched Your Name, really good film, deserves the hype! Loved the soundtrack too, sounded like a Japanese Sigur Ros!
Now finally back to finishing off the final third of Death Note!
Now finally back to finishing off the final third of Death Note!
For me, I was drawn in from the beginning. I loved the first episode. The series is of an episodic nature (like Cowboy Bebop) so some have episodes they love and some they can take or leave. I've seen fans of Mushi-shi who aren't that keen on the first episode themselves but love the series. I'm not saying you will, but you never know!
If I could choose any show to be wiped from my memory so that I could rewatch it again without knowing anything, it'd be Death Note. It had it's flaws but damn I loved it!
Yeah, i am enjoying it, it does have it's slow moments, but just as you think you're getting bored, it kicks off again! Not many left now, looking forward to seeing how it turns out!
Good shout!
GitS: Stand Alone Complex has got some crackers too.
Anyone who's seen Rurouni Kenshin will appreciate this one, the ultimate "shit's about to be good" theme.
iirc the first episode was pretty good, the second alright and then there's a streak of really good episodes that got me hooked.
Ditto, mate, episodes 1-teens were something else in terms of providing an unadulterated adrenaline rush. Was practically having a freak out after the dramatic Lind L. Tailor bit in episode 2.
PS: Have you read/seen Monster? Have a suspicion that you'll like it - a slow burner and more textured than Death Note (which grabs your attention from the beginning), and doesn't have paranormal bits (more grounded in the realities of '60s to '90s Germany and Czechoslovakia), but it has a similar dark psychological-thriller appeal, as well as the Kira+L-esque juxtaposition of its protagonist and the nihilistic main antagonist (who elevates it to a tier above Death Note on his own, IMO - no mean feat given the character appeal of both Yagami and L).
This has been a pretty sub par Winter season for new anime
I completely agree with you about Death Note. Even Light, just sitting in his room with Ryuuk, plotting, was sooooo entertaining for me. It didn't need to do anything extravagant so-to-speak as the way Ohba(writer) & Obata(illustrator) created such interesting characters in a setting that sucked you in was amazing. As you said, that 2nd episode, though....I still get goosebumps rewatching it.Ditto, mate, episodes 1-teens were something else in terms of providing an unadulterated adrenaline rush. Was practically having a freak out after the dramatic Lind L. Tailor bit in episode 2.
PS: Have you read/seen Monster? Have a suspicion that you'll like it - a slow burner and more textured than Death Note (which grabs your attention from the beginning), and doesn't have paranormal bits (more grounded in the realities of '60s to '90s Germany and Czechoslovakia), but it has a similar dark psychological-thriller appeal, as well as the Kira+L-esque juxtaposition of its protagonist and the nihilistic main antagonist (who elevates it to a tier above Death Note on his own, IMO - no mean feat given the character appeal of both Yagami and L).
Fun fact! I got my mother, who hates anime despite being an aspiring artist because I guess she associates it with Dragon Ball & Pokémon which was all I watched as a kid for years straight, to watch Death Note after reading some IMDB reviews of the show from people, like my mother, who weren't into anime at all and loved the show and I'm glad I did! She was hesitant at first but ended up really enjoying it throughout. Her reaction to the countdown ending in the penultimate episode of the series was priceless!
Monster, you say?
Yes, I loved it! It's probably been around 2-3 years now since I watched it so my memory of it won't be the best, but yes, I really enjoyed it. One thing I do remember, clear as day, was the ending! I still want more, dammit!
The whole last arc of the series brought out so many emotions. This is all off the top of my head so I probably won't remember everything, though. I was relieved Tenma didn't shoot Johan thus maintaining his innocence, I was delighted Roberto died unfulfilled, was saddened to see Wolfgang die, depressed about the town drunk and his son, happy to see Johan fail and caught, etc. I thought the whole series was excellent but the way the capped it off in that arc, in that little unknown town, was brilliant.
Every character was written well, in my opinion. There wasn't a main character I didn't mind. Most people say Johan's their character who creeps them out the most and, whilst he is creepy, Roberto was the one for me. His smile was so haunting. Actually, one of my favourite moments in the series was Roberto's therapy session with Julias Reichwein (another great character) which just spooked me out and drew me in at the same time. I loved how Julias was buying his time, how Roberto was, pretty much, mocking him, and how Tenma came in to save the day at the last second. That caught me off guard!
My favourite character was Lunge. I couldn't take to him at first but he just kept growing and growing on me. I loved his whole part in the finale and his "friendship" with Wolfgang. It was nice to see a different side to him with his interactions with Wolfgang and, rarely, his daughter.
Every character was written well, in my opinion. There wasn't a main character I didn't mind. Most people say Johan's their character who creeps them out the most and, whilst he is creepy, Roberto was the one for me. His smile was so haunting. Actually, one of my favourite moments in the series was Roberto's therapy session with Julias Reichwein (another great character) which just spooked me out and drew me in at the same time. I loved how Julias was buying his time, how Roberto was, pretty much, mocking him, and how Tenma came in to save the day at the last second. That caught me off guard!
My favourite character was Lunge. I couldn't take to him at first but he just kept growing and growing on me. I loved his whole part in the finale and his "friendship" with Wolfgang. It was nice to see a different side to him with his interactions with Wolfgang and, rarely, his daughter.
It's weird you brought Monster up @Invictus as I hadn't thought about it in months until a couple of days ago when thinking of anime soundtracks (in regards to @R.N7 's question). I'm reminiscing now!
@Yagami, Johan's smug creeper expression in that gif gets me every time!
Wrt. the ending:
Wrt. the ending:
Have to admit, when I first watched the anime, the climax felt slightly bittersweet, if not downright underwhelming in the heat of the moment - and I thought the bit about Tenma forgiving the 'Monster' (and putting his faith in a semblance of humanity Johan hadn't displayed) was anticlimactic and totally contrived, especially since the whole thrust should've been about Tenma losing sight of his gullible ideals for a minute, and doing what had to be done in the name of equitable justice. So Johan not being officially captured, or atleast investigated and reprimanded seemed unfair after all the stunts he'd pulled, and the state of pandemonium he'd plunged Ruhenheim in through the last arc. But then, Johan had planned for Tenma to ultimately kill him all along (as part of his 'Nameless Monster' Perfect Suicide scheme - where everyone who knew him dies with him, thus erasing the very existence of the Monster), and Tenma not doing that disrupted his most ambitious ploy - so it kinda made sense. Plus, Johan's greatest 'power' was his ability to invade your mind, and manipulate others into doing things they didn't really want to do, and Tenma's actions kind of negated that power.
Agree with the character bits - and from the ones that haven't been mentioned, I think the first character I really liked in Monster was Eva Heinemann - not because she was remarkable in the grand scheme of things, but her development kind of set the tone for an increasingly grey cast - who were always in a state of turmoil and struggling to inner peace - starting with her deserting Tenma after the Mayor Roedecker episode, then the whole crazy spiteful spinster bit, descent in alcoholism and plans for revenge against Tenma, her involvement with Martin/Roberto, and then a sense of redemption with a happy ending. Has to be one of them most written and developed female characters in anime - came as a real breath of fresh air after watching an endless line of generic kawaii chicks than inundate the medium.
As for Lunge, he's probably my second favorite character on the show after Johan (and tied with poor Grimmer - whose compassion even after the events of Kinderheim 511 was in stark contrast with his childhood friends Roberto's - thus proving that innate kindness isn't always annihilated after suffering acute trauma). Lunge across as total weirdo at first, but he was well fleshed out, too, and progressively tuned into a hero - so much so that I found myself actively cheering him on at the end (Lunge vs Roberto was just so emotionally satisfying ahaha).
Agree with the character bits - and from the ones that haven't been mentioned, I think the first character I really liked in Monster was Eva Heinemann - not because she was remarkable in the grand scheme of things, but her development kind of set the tone for an increasingly grey cast - who were always in a state of turmoil and struggling to inner peace - starting with her deserting Tenma after the Mayor Roedecker episode, then the whole crazy spiteful spinster bit, descent in alcoholism and plans for revenge against Tenma, her involvement with Martin/Roberto, and then a sense of redemption with a happy ending. Has to be one of them most written and developed female characters in anime - came as a real breath of fresh air after watching an endless line of generic kawaii chicks than inundate the medium.
As for Lunge, he's probably my second favorite character on the show after Johan (and tied with poor Grimmer - whose compassion even after the events of Kinderheim 511 was in stark contrast with his childhood friends Roberto's - thus proving that innate kindness isn't always annihilated after suffering acute trauma). Lunge across as total weirdo at first, but he was well fleshed out, too, and progressively tuned into a hero - so much so that I found myself actively cheering him on at the end (Lunge vs Roberto was just so emotionally satisfying ahaha
).Come to think of it, a three part Monster movie with Kodi Smit-McPhee as Johan, Miyavi as Dr. Tenma, Kevin Durand as Lunge and Javier Bardem as Roberto would be really good, provided they stay true to the script and keep some of the the darker elements intact. Given the realistic nature of the manga/anime, it's more suited to live action adaptation than the likes of Akira or Ghost in the Shell.
Guillermo Del Toro was reportedly interested in a potential adaptation, but nothing concrete came of it.
Guillermo Del Toro was reportedly interested in a potential adaptation, but nothing concrete came of it.
Man, talking about Monster with you is bringing it all back. There's so much I had forgotten!@Yagami, Johan's smug creeper expression in that gif gets me every time!
Wrt. the ending:
Have to admit, when I first watched the anime, the climax felt slightly bittersweet, if not downright underwhelming in the heat of the moment - and I thought the bit about Tenma forgiving the 'Monster' (and putting his faith in a semblance of humanity Johan hadn't displayed) was anticlimactic and totally contrived, especially since the whole thrust should've been about Tenma losing sight of his gullible ideals for a minute, and doing what had to be done in the name of equitable justice. So Johan not being officially captured, or atleast investigated and reprimanded seemed unfair after all the stunts he'd pulled, and the state of pandemonium he'd plunged Ruhenheim in through the last arc. But then, Johan had planned for Tenma to ultimately kill him all along (as part of his 'Nameless Monster' Perfect Suicide scheme - where everyone who knew him dies with him, thus erasing the very existence of the Monster), and Tenma not doing that disrupted his most ambitious ploy - so it kinda made sense. Plus, Johan's greatest 'power' was his ability to invade your mind, and manipulate others into doing things they didn't really want to do, and Tenma's actions kind of negated that power.
Agree with the character bits - and from the ones that haven't been mentioned, I think the first character I really liked in Monster was Eva Heinemann - not because she was remarkable in the grand scheme of things, but her development kind of set the tone for an increasingly grey cast - who were always in a state of turmoil and struggling to inner peace - starting with her deserting Tenma after the Mayor Roedecker episode, then the whole crazy spiteful spinster bit, descent in alcoholism and plans for revenge against Tenma, her involvement with Martin/Roberto, and then a sense of redemption with a happy ending. Has to be one of them most written and developed female characters in anime - came as a real breath of fresh air after watching an endless line of generic kawaii chicks than inundate the medium.
As for Lunge, he's probably my second favorite character on the show after Johan (and tied with poor Grimmer - whose compassion even after the events of Kinderheim 511 was in stark contrast with his childhood friends Roberto's - thus proving that innate kindness isn't always annihilated after suffering acute trauma). Lunge across as total weirdo at first, but he was well fleshed out, too, and progressively tuned into a hero - so much so that I found myself actively cheering him on at the end (Lunge vs Roberto was just so emotionally satisfying ahaha
I can see why you'd be a bit disappointed at the ending at first because, after doing so much evil, naturally you're rooting for Tenma to shoot him. For me, whilst I wouldn't have minded that, I just loved how Tenma kept his innocence because he was such a kind character throughout and that Johan's ultimate plan failed. Thinking back, though I did enjoy the final arc, I agree that it did feel quite underwhelming at first after so much build-up. Though, Tenma visiting Johan at the hospital with Tenma having those visions of Johan sitting up were very well done and, for something so simple, added so much. I want to know where Johan went!
I completely agree with you about Eva. Even though she was, well, a bit of a you-know-what, I couldn't help but like her for some reason. Even before you got to see she was a nice person deep down when she was being nice to that kid. Now, I can't remember this fully, but was it the kid that was staying with the man who was training Tenma? The one who killed her mother and thus didn't smile for years? Or am I getting confused here?
Anyway, yes, Eva was a refreshing female character who became one of my favourites, too. I mean, I've liked female anime characters before (Bulma, Chi-Chi, Faye Valentine, Misa Amane (yes, her!),etc) but the way her downfall was shown, and her coming to accept the circumstances that now surrounded her life was portrayed very well. It was telling how well written of a character she was when I was feeling sorry for her during the abuse she was taking from Roberto even though she was horrible herself. I have to admit, I was hoping she'd end up back with Tenma at the end
Man, I had completely forgotten that Wolfgang Grimmer was apart of the Kinderheim 511 experiment and was childhood friends with Roberto. I echo your thoughts about loving the contrast between how Grimmer and Roberto turned out. But yeah, Lunge was a weirdo who, at first, I just didn't look forward to seeing as I thought he'd be a generic detective, but I was completely wrong! I loved him, and it was apparent that I did as, like you said, I was actively cheering him on against Roberto and was worried he'd die. The tension when Lunge was going from room to room was real.
I was surprised to see you link the english dub version of the anime! Yes, that was the one I watched. I personally really liked the dub.
I completely agree with you about Eva. Even though she was, well, a bit of a you-know-what, I couldn't help but like her for some reason. Even before you got to see she was a nice person deep down when she was being nice to that kid. Now, I can't remember this fully, but was it the kid that was staying with the man who was training Tenma? The one who killed her mother and thus didn't smile for years? Or am I getting confused here?
Anyway, yes, Eva was a refreshing female character who became one of my favourites, too. I mean, I've liked female anime characters before (Bulma, Chi-Chi, Faye Valentine, Misa Amane (yes, her!),etc) but the way her downfall was shown, and her coming to accept the circumstances that now surrounded her life was portrayed very well. It was telling how well written of a character she was when I was feeling sorry for her during the abuse she was taking from Roberto even though she was horrible herself. I have to admit, I was hoping she'd end up back with Tenma at the end
Man, I had completely forgotten that Wolfgang Grimmer was apart of the Kinderheim 511 experiment and was childhood friends with Roberto. I echo your thoughts about loving the contrast between how Grimmer and Roberto turned out. But yeah, Lunge was a weirdo who, at first, I just didn't look forward to seeing as I thought he'd be a generic detective, but I was completely wrong! I loved him, and it was apparent that I did as, like you said, I was actively cheering him on against Roberto and was worried he'd die. The tension when Lunge was going from room to room was real.
I was surprised to see you link the english dub version of the anime! Yes, that was the one I watched.
I personally really liked the dub.I remember reading about that. Was that the one that was pitched to HBO and they declined? To be honest, I don't think I'll ever have faith in America or the like doing justice to a live action anime. I still have the scars from Dragonball Evolu-*pukes*. I can't even say it!Come to think of it, a three part Monster movie with Kodi Smit-McPhee as Johan, Miyavi as Dr. Tenma, Kevin Durand as Lunge and Javier Bardem as Roberto would be really good, provided they stay true to the script and keep some of the the darker elements intact. Given the realistic nature of the manga/anime, it's more suited to live action adaptation than the likes of Akira or Ghost in the Shell.
Guillermo Del Toro was reportedly interested in a potential adaptation, but nothing concrete came of it.
Man, talking about Monster with you is bringing it all back. There's so much I had forgotten!
I can see why you'd be a bit disappointed at the ending at first because, after doing so much evil, naturally you're rooting for Tenma to shoot him. For me, whilst I wouldn't have minded that, I just loved how Tenma kept his innocence because he was such a kind character throughout and that Johan's ultimate plan failed. Thinking back, though I did enjoy the final arc, I agree that it did feel quite underwhelming at first after so much build-up. Though, Tenma visiting Johan at the hospital with Tenma having those visions of Johan sitting up were very well done and, for something so simple, added so much. I want to know where Johan went!
I completely agree with you about Eva. Even though she was, well, a bit of a you-know-what, I couldn't help but like her for some reason. Even before you got to see she was a nice person deep down when she was being nice to that kid. Now, I can't remember this fully, but was it the kid that was staying with the man who was training Tenma? The one who killed her mother and thus didn't smile for years? Or am I getting confused here?
Anyway, yes, Eva was a refreshing female character who became one of my favourites, too. I mean, I've liked female anime characters before (Bulma, Chi-Chi, Faye Valentine, Misa Amane (yes, her!),etc) but the way her downfall was shown, and her coming to accept the circumstances that now surrounded her life was portrayed very well. It was telling how well written of a character she was when I was feeling sorry for her during the abuse she was taking from Roberto even though she was horrible herself. I have to admit, I was hoping she'd end up back with Tenma at the end
Man, I had completely forgotten that Wolfgang Grimmer was apart of the Kinderheim 511 experiment and was childhood friends with Roberto. I echo your thoughts about loving the contrast between how Grimmer and Roberto turned out. But yeah, Lunge was a weirdo who, at first, I just didn't look forward to seeing as I thought he'd be a generic detective, but I was completely wrong! I loved him, and it was apparent that I did as, like you said, I was actively cheering him on against Roberto and was worried he'd die. The tension when Lunge was going from room to room was real.
I was surprised to see you link the english dub version of the anime! Yes, that was the one I watched.
Wrt. the Johan part at the end, I was desperately searching for some clues when Tenma visited Viera Černá in France, but couldn't find any. Read something interesting on an anime forum once, though (can't remember if it was AS or MAL or perhaps a random Tumblr post), which essentially laid out the three most plausible outcomes of the open ending:
1. Johan is the real nameless monster: in this interpretation, he is 100% corrupted by evil, and irredeemable - Tenma saving his life for the second time, and giving him the chance to salvage his humanity had no effect on him. And he continues with a life of villainy as some sort of vagabond beyond the timeline of the anime.
2. The entire cast of the show, or rather society at large, is the real nameless monster with their apathy and predisposition for looking the other way, and letting the malevolence that lurks in the shadows pounce on innocent and helpless victim (like Johan as a kid): since Johan wasn't intrinsically evil in spirit according to this interpretation, he essentially gets a do over in his life - wakes up, flees, and decides not to revisit his old ways. And the monster looks the other way.
3. Viera is the nameless monster: her decision to save Nina (according to Johan's jumbled memory) set into motion the entire chain of events, and in this interpretation, the monster gets to win in a twisted sense: Tenma's surgery doesn't really work - Johan dies, Nina lives, and Tenma's vision was maybe Johan visiting him from some sort of astral plane.
Yep, that was the kid in the mountain forests - Dieter (always mix him up with Milosh). And blimey! I'd completely forgotten about his interaction with Eva, until now - the whole Füssen mini-arc was so slow that I barely remember any of it.
Aha, have to be honest here - I didn't really like Misa-Misa - came across as a stereotypical yandere who was inserted to provide fan service and boost the profile of the protagonist (not that Light needed any more propping, mind), and her introduction (then the whole memory wipe segue) was then I started to momentarily lose interest in Death Note, before L's death knocked the wind out of the entire show. Agree with Chi-Chi, Faye and Bulma; would add Lieutenant Hawkeye (FMA), Celty (DRR!!), Teresa of the Faint Smile (Claymore), Miria (Baccano!), Aoi (Shirobako), Misato and Asuka (NGE), Akane (Psycho-Pass), and Kino to the list - off the top of my head. And yeah, I was hoping for a Tenma-Eva reconciliation too. They were both clearly flawed, and Eva was sufficiently humbled by post-Tenma life to settle down for good. Though staying just friends wasn't the worst outcome, either - atleast the (largely one sided) animosity was extinguished.
As for the dub, have to agree with you there, Monster is one of the few anime where the dub is on par with the sub. Could be down to its more serious tone (which doesn't require a lot of over-the-top vocalization that shonen-sub in famous for).
1. Johan is the real nameless monster: in this interpretation, he is 100% corrupted by evil, and irredeemable - Tenma saving his life for the second time, and giving him the chance to salvage his humanity had no effect on him. And he continues with a life of villainy as some sort of vagabond beyond the timeline of the anime.
2. The entire cast of the show, or rather society at large, is the real nameless monster with their apathy and predisposition for looking the other way, and letting the malevolence that lurks in the shadows pounce on innocent and helpless victim (like Johan as a kid): since Johan wasn't intrinsically evil in spirit according to this interpretation, he essentially gets a do over in his life - wakes up, flees, and decides not to revisit his old ways. And the monster looks the other way.
3. Viera is the nameless monster: her decision to save Nina (according to Johan's jumbled memory) set into motion the entire chain of events, and in this interpretation, the monster gets to win in a twisted sense: Tenma's surgery doesn't really work - Johan dies, Nina lives, and Tenma's vision was maybe Johan visiting him from some sort of astral plane.
Yep, that was the kid in the mountain forests - Dieter (always mix him up with Milosh). And blimey! I'd completely forgotten about his interaction with Eva, until now - the whole Füssen mini-arc was so slow that I barely remember any of it.
Aha, have to be honest here - I didn't really like Misa-Misa - came across as a stereotypical yandere who was inserted to provide fan service and boost the profile of the protagonist (not that Light needed any more propping, mind), and her introduction (then the whole memory wipe segue) was then I started to momentarily lose interest in Death Note, before L's death knocked the wind out of the entire show. Agree with Chi-Chi, Faye and Bulma; would add Lieutenant Hawkeye (FMA), Celty (DRR!!), Teresa of the Faint Smile (Claymore), Miria (Baccano!), Aoi (Shirobako), Misato and Asuka (NGE), Akane (Psycho-Pass), and Kino to the list - off the top of my head. And yeah, I was hoping for a Tenma-Eva reconciliation too. They were both clearly flawed, and Eva was sufficiently humbled by post-Tenma life to settle down for good. Though staying just friends wasn't the worst outcome, either - atleast the (largely one sided) animosity was extinguished.
As for the dub, have to agree with you there, Monster is one of the few anime where the dub is on par with the sub. Could be down to its more serious tone (which doesn't require a lot of over-the-top vocalization that shonen-sub in famous for).
Yep, that's the one, pity they never really developed the concept - would've loved to see a Monster movie directed by say David Fincher. Dunno what you're talking about with the Dragon Ball bit, though *elective memory wipe*.
Oh, my god! I had completely forgotton that Tenma went to visit their mother in France! How could I forget this?! I've honestly forgotten more that I initially thought. Looking through the characters, there's so many I had forgot! It wasn't that they were bad or uninteresting; just there was so many!
Interesting. Out of those three endings, I see the first as the most likely to have happened. I could definitely see Johan going into denial about Tenma's innocence, vowing to break him with an even more deadlier ideal; going more insane than he already was. Two would be nice but I just can't see someone like Johan turning back after how far he went. I'd be really interested in seeing how Johan would be if this were the case, though! And if, having reformed, he'd ever meet Nina/Viera/Tenma again.
Regarding the 3rd one, could you explain please? I'm probably forgetting something really obvious, but when did Johan think Viera saved Nina? And from what? The Red Rose Mansion incident?
Yes, Dieter! I never really confused him with Milos as, from memory, Dieter was a much more integral character to the show than him. Speaking of Dieter, I always pictured Trunks thanks to his voice, which made me like him more! I had the same thing with Julias reminding me of Master Roshi, too, which was weird because they're polar opposite characters, ha, but I digress.
I was thinking of the little girl who stayed with Hugo Bernhardt. The one who doesn't officially have a name. Yeah, that "arc" so-to-speak did feel slow but I really enjoyed it. I enjoyed Tenma's training and interaction with the little girl, eventually getting her to, well, be happy again! I loved how she and Hugo, despite what he did, ended on a happy note. And I really loved the Dieter/Eva scences. That side to Eva was lovely to see and helped her character development tremendously. If I remember correctly, she even put her life on the line for Dieter!
All this reminiscing of Monster has reminded me of one of my favourite episodes of the show. The one where Tenma and Dieter hitchhike and are picked up by this old British couple, Leia and Mr. Jones. It was such a simple, kind of filler-ish episode, yet I was hooked. I loved both Leia and Mr. Jones however briefly they appeared. The ending, with Mr.Jones revealing to Leia that he knew Tenma was a fugitive but believed he was innocent, sealed it for me. Up until that point, I loved the episode, but the ending caused me to LOVE the episode! I was hoping we'd eventually see them again (though I never really expected it) but alas we didn't.
To be honest, I completely agree with what you said about Misa but I just can't help but like her. I admit, when she was first introduced I kind of mentally facepalmed and was like "really?", but she grew on me. I wouldn't say I started losing interest when she was first introduced, but the tone of the show definitely changed which I wasn't a fan of and, like you said, L's death just knocked the wind out of the show. Even though I wouldn't have introduced a character like that myself (especially after a great start to the series) I just took her for what she was (fan service basically), and I just warmed to her. Honestly, I did find some of the Misa/Light/L scenes funny, and the whole "2nd kira" caught me off guard. I just wish they could've kept the tone of the show the same, and introduced a love-interest (as one sided as it was) that wasn't just there for fan service.
All this talk about female characters reminded me of Deadman Wonderland. I think I liked every female character in the show, especially Makina. Shiro, Minatsuki, Karako and Kasuga were all good, too. It wasn't my favourite anime (though the theme song was badass) but I enjoyed it and was saddened to see it only lasted a series. I still plan on reading the manga eventually but I do hope it gets a renewal one day.
Yeah, whilst I was disappointed that Eva and Tenma didn't reconcile, I'm glad they ended on good terms. I still thank that, deep down, they're meant for eachother, though! To be honest, I thought I'd be alone in wanting them beck together but I'm glad I'm not!
Yes, I loved the dub! Like you said it probably helped with the seriousness of the show, and not everyone being super beings and whatnot. It took me a while to get used to Tenma's voice, and I wasn't the biggest fan of Johan's voice at first (purely shock value tbh), but now I can't imagine them any other way. They were brilliantly done and I thought they were perfect for said characters. I really got from Tenma's voice that he was a nice guy, down on his luck, stuck in this hellish turmoil and just wanted out, and Johan's voice....-shivers-
Interesting. Out of those three endings, I see the first as the most likely to have happened. I could definitely see Johan going into denial about Tenma's innocence, vowing to break him with an even more deadlier ideal; going more insane than he already was. Two would be nice but I just can't see someone like Johan turning back after how far he went. I'd be really interested in seeing how Johan would be if this were the case, though! And if, having reformed, he'd ever meet Nina/Viera/Tenma again.
Regarding the 3rd one, could you explain please? I'm probably forgetting something really obvious, but when did Johan think Viera saved Nina? And from what? The Red Rose Mansion incident?
Yes, Dieter! I never really confused him with Milos as, from memory, Dieter was a much more integral character to the show than him. Speaking of Dieter, I always pictured Trunks thanks to his voice, which made me like him more! I had the same thing with Julias reminding me of Master Roshi, too, which was weird because they're polar opposite characters, ha, but I digress.
I was thinking of the little girl who stayed with Hugo Bernhardt. The one who doesn't officially have a name. Yeah, that "arc" so-to-speak did feel slow but I really enjoyed it. I enjoyed Tenma's training and interaction with the little girl, eventually getting her to, well, be happy again! I loved how she and Hugo, despite what he did, ended on a happy note. And I really loved the Dieter/Eva scences. That side to Eva was lovely to see and helped her character development tremendously. If I remember correctly, she even put her life on the line for Dieter!
All this reminiscing of Monster has reminded me of one of my favourite episodes of the show. The one where Tenma and Dieter hitchhike and are picked up by this old British couple, Leia and Mr. Jones. It was such a simple, kind of filler-ish episode, yet I was hooked. I loved both Leia and Mr. Jones however briefly they appeared. The ending, with Mr.Jones revealing to Leia that he knew Tenma was a fugitive but believed he was innocent, sealed it for me. Up until that point, I loved the episode, but the ending caused me to LOVE the episode! I was hoping we'd eventually see them again (though I never really expected it) but alas we didn't.
To be honest, I completely agree with what you said about Misa but I just can't help but like her. I admit, when she was first introduced I kind of mentally facepalmed and was like "really?", but she grew on me. I wouldn't say I started losing interest when she was first introduced, but the tone of the show definitely changed which I wasn't a fan of and, like you said, L's death just knocked the wind out of the show. Even though I wouldn't have introduced a character like that myself (especially after a great start to the series) I just took her for what she was (fan service basically), and I just warmed to her. Honestly, I did find some of the Misa/Light/L scenes funny, and the whole "2nd kira" caught me off guard. I just wish they could've kept the tone of the show the same, and introduced a love-interest (as one sided as it was) that wasn't just there for fan service.
All this talk about female characters reminded me of Deadman Wonderland. I think I liked every female character in the show, especially Makina. Shiro, Minatsuki, Karako and Kasuga were all good, too. It wasn't my favourite anime (though the theme song was badass) but I enjoyed it and was saddened to see it only lasted a series. I still plan on reading the manga eventually but I do hope it gets a renewal one day.
Yeah, whilst I was disappointed that Eva and Tenma didn't reconcile, I'm glad they ended on good terms. I still thank that, deep down, they're meant for eachother, though!
To be honest, I thought I'd be alone in wanting them beck together but I'm glad I'm not!Yes, I loved the dub! Like you said it probably helped with the seriousness of the show, and not everyone being super beings and whatnot. It took me a while to get used to Tenma's voice, and I wasn't the biggest fan of Johan's voice at first (purely shock value tbh), but now I can't imagine them any other way. They were brilliantly done and I thought they were perfect for said characters. I really got from Tenma's voice that he was a nice guy, down on his luck, stuck in this hellish turmoil and just wanted out, and Johan's voice....-shivers-
I need one of those memory erasers from Men In Black!Yep, that's the one, pity they never really developed the concept - would've loved to see a Monster movie directed by say David Fincher. Dunno what you're talking about with the Dragon Ball bit, though *elective memory wipe*.
I had a bit of free time this morning and decided to start a new anime. I opted for one that wasn't too long so I could finish it relatively fast and ended up watching "Ghost Stories" AKA "Gakkō no Kaidan" which is only 20 eps long. I wanted to watch it subbed but came across the dub and oh, my lord....I have no words for this magnificent mess. It's pretty much an official abridged series. I had to check the original Japanese episodes to make sure I was watching the right one!
I may watch both subbed and dubbed because, whilst being completely the same show, they are, in fact, totally different! I chose this for the horror aspect but instead was laughing my butt off at how bizarre it was.
Anyone seen Koe no Katachi? Or know if it's available online?
Just finished Monster
One of the best animes I've seen. Urasawa's storytelling and characters are right up there with some of the best writers.
One of the best animes I've seen. Urasawa's storytelling and characters are right up there with some of the best writers.
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Cheers for the Tower of God recommendation. I've nearly read up to 200 chapters. @Invictus @The Taurean
Started and finished Re:Zero (starting life in another world), and goddammit, that's one overrated show.
I've read people talk about it as if it's bound to be a new masterpiece ala Death Note in quality, but while the animation was good, the plot mechanic used got old so freakishly fast, and they managed to literally kill the impact of death in just a few episodes.
More of a new sword art online (good premise, bad execution with goodish animation) than a new classic.
I've read people talk about it as if it's bound to be a new masterpiece ala Death Note in quality, but while the animation was good, the plot mechanic used got old so freakishly fast, and they managed to literally kill the impact of death in just a few episodes.
More of a new sword art online (good premise, bad execution with goodish animation) than a new classic.
Been a little disappointed with most of the highly rated recent shows (One Punch Man, Boku dake ga Inai Machi, Re:Zero, Noragami Aragoto, Fate/Stay Night UBW). Of course that's just most of the ones I've seen.
Am I the only one who didn't think much of Death Note? I enjoyed the first couple episodes immensely but then it all got kinda silly pretty fast.
I finally finished it last week, loved the first third, but after that, it got a bit repatative.
I think it could have been half the length, and been a much better series.
Basically, loved it until the point L dies, then especially the final third once N comes along felt just like repeating old ground.
Also is it is just me who was a bit disappointed the shinigami weren't more involved? I know according to the rules they weren't allowed to be, but i always hoped they'd play a bigger role somehow rather than just be given orders now and again.
Also is it is just me who was a bit disappointed the shinigami weren't more involved? I know according to the rules they weren't allowed to be, but i always hoped they'd play a bigger role somehow rather than just be given orders now and again.
If you like Death Note, should watch Death Parade. That's a more consistent show and one of the best I've seen lately. As for Death Note I enjoyed like the first 10 or 12 episodes, don't remember quite well, as it was more about suspense and like watching something about detectives but then it just gets pretty convoluted in a silly way and it really isn't the same anymore from then.
Also I didn't quite liked 'L' but his successors were even a worst version of him and poor written. So like you can deduce I was more supporting Light, he was kind of evil but he was the best character and clearly the superior one so I also didn't like his ending.
Finally got around to watching Re:Zero. Was enjoying it a lot at first. About half way through now and the main guy is starting to piss me off.
Why can't every male protagonist be like 8man from OreGairu?
Why can't every male protagonist be like 8man from OreGairu?
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They really overdo it with the restart thing. Like feck me, it was original the first time and fun the 3-4 other times. But djeeesus.
Said it before, saying it again, Sword art online level of wasted potential.
Koe no Katachi is fecking up there. Anime at its best.
Owww. Just finished Cowboy Bepop. Genuine masterpiece. The ending wasn't quite as impactful as it should have been as I made the classic mistake of putting off watching it as I didn't want it to end. Anyway, such a good series. I love it when intelligent writers incorporate hallucinogens into certain stories. Bepop did it great and The Simpsons did too. For some reason I always really love and respect it. Mushi-shi or Full Metal Alchemist next... Netflix only has season 2 of Mushi-shi which is an absolute ballache.
Will be genuinely disappointed if a third season of Konosuba isn't announced. Been having so much fun watching it, been a breath of fresh air from the current 'meta' of anime - that all seems to be the same shite rehashed.
One Punch is one of the best anime's ive seen in a few years (not that i watch much anymore) Really looking forward to season 2.
This new season has some intersting shows, aside from Onepunch Man there's also Shingeko no Kyojin 2nd season and a new season of Shingeki no Bahamut as well.
Anyone read the manga Kingdom? I'm at chapter 52 right now and it's freaking awesome
Finished Owari no Seraph (1st and 2nd season) yesterday, was quite enjoyable overall if you like standard shounen stuff.
Felt like a throwback somehow feelings-wise to fate series, without being able to put my finger on exactly what it was.
Working my way through your lie in april now, enjoying it so far even though it feels a bit dragged out in the competitions.
Felt like a throwback somehow feelings-wise to fate series, without being able to put my finger on exactly what it was.
Working my way through your lie in april now, enjoying it so far even though it feels a bit dragged out in the competitions.
Quite liked the first season of Owari no Seraph - even though the character development wasn't up to scratch, and the dialogue was a bit hit and miss in terms of adding more layers to the cast. Felt a bit of a lull in the middle portions, too - but all in all, a decent series, if a bit generic - including the premise. Maybe I'll catch up on the second season.
I'm sure you'll feel differently by the end, mate. Hmmm, how should I say it without spoiling things - the competitions are a way for Kōsei to resolve some of his childhood issues, and part of his journey in moving forward as a character, so the little details kind of add up in the grand scheme of things.
Owari no Seraph was indeed a bit hit and miss when it came to a lot of things, especially the relationship between Mika & Yu, but I tend to just go with whatever the writers go with as long its not too stupid for me to swallow. Makes it easier for me to enjoy stuff that a lot dislike, like for example SAO (though the tentacle scene in alfheim was a fast step way beyond acceptable).Quite liked the first season of Owari no Seraph - even though the character development wasn't up to scratch, and the dialogue was a bit hit and miss in terms of adding more layers to the cast. Felt a bit of a lull in the middle portions, too - but all in all, a decent series, if a bit generic - including the premise. Maybe I'll catch up on the second season.
I'm sure you'll feel differently by the end, mate. Hmmm, how should I say it without spoiling things - the competitions are a way for Kōsei to resolve some of his childhood issues, and part of his journey in moving forward as a character, so the little details kind of add up in the grand scheme of things.
I kinda assume the chick will die by the end of the series... Maybe it's just me being me when it comes to health issues and the fact that the series seem like it's trying hard to be a tear-jerker. So would be the obvious solution.
Kousei's mother though, what a fecking bitch.
Kousei's mother though, what a fecking bitch.
Oh phooey! I should've kept my trap shut instead of blabbing, but yeah, Kaori dies in the penultimate episode (if you include the OVA). Kinda obvious given the premonitions and overall melancholic theme of the show when she's the focal point, but still, it's quite crushing even though you know it's coming. I share you dislike for Arima's thoroughly unpleasant mom, too - shes's just below the Shou Tucker/Charles zi Britannia/Gendo Ikari tier for the worst, most self-serving parents in anime.
Indeed, felt certain it'd go that way. I have a sneaky feeling on what the causation is as well.
Cancer. Too many hints towards it with her talking about stuff that affect people with low immune-systems, being on tons of pills. Passing out. Referencing Charlie Brown etc. Just seems like that's what she has.
I watched 'The Wings of Honnêamise' the other month, a peculiar and overall mediocre film. A gorgeously animated world but they forgot to fill it with any characters of real interest and the whole cold war-ish plot was fairly dull. There also was a rape scene involving the main characters that was totally out of place.
Started Space Pirate Captain Harlock. Nothing really intriguing. Gave up after 5 episodes or so.
So what next?
So what next?
It's awesome. One of the best Anime's I've ever seen.
It was brilliant till L's death. Sags a bit after that. Good climax.
They could have trimmed off some episodes and made it more taut.