Aoi Bungaku First impression

In 2003, there was Texhnolyze. In 2007, there was Shigurui. In 2008, there was Mouryo no Hako. This, I think is this year's continuation to the insanely beautiful series' Madhouse seemed to release every year. Basically, the plan for the entire show is an adaptation of various literary pieces--but following the footsteps of its predecessors, this series might just have what it takes to be worthy of being in the same sentence as them, or even better.

The first episode was a very nice introduction to the series. Although this particular arc will last for just a couple of episodes, the series was successful in conveying a film noir-esque atmosphere a bit reminiscent of MnH but much more "sensual" due to nature of the characters involved. At least for the first episode, the atmosphere was very well played out. I liked the way the lady was used as a sacrificial lamb to further the story. That, and her character she embodied--a tired hostess who fucks with younger men and finally jumps off a cliff. It's definitely not something (1)4 year old kids would enjoy nor appreciate.

However, I appreciate the feel. In fact, this is the kind of show I hunt for every season. I'm perfectly happy with this one and am excited to watch more of the series.

Stay tuned.

Thingle's line up for this season.

1. Aoi Bungaku
2. Kimi ni Todoke
3. Winter Sonata.

Poke to chidori3souke to show signs of life in here....

Kimi Ni Todoke First Impressions

Note to my co-author: You do your entries about this series too.

Hey guys! It's the Thingleator and I'm back from a slump. I admit my interest in anime waned a bit due to real life taking much of my time nowadays and the lack of interesting titles to look out for this season--this being an exception.

Kimi Ni Todoke is something to watch, although I've observed that Shoujo manga is best left as manga (with NANA being the only exception, I guess). Yes, This anime has its strong points, but there's something in the Shoujo genre that's best manifested in manga (mainly 'coz it degrades a bit in its anime form). It's the art. Sawako in the manga was one of the cutest detailed characters and it's one of the reasons why I couldn't resist reading chapter after chapter before I even watched the first episode of the series. The serious Sawako has probably the best hair in manga (or at least equal to the heroine of Bungaku Shoujo a.k.a. "look at this blog's banner!"). It kinda reminds me of Ayumi Yamada mixed with Paradise Kiss' Caroline. That wonderful style which unfortunately isn't yet there in the anime form because of animators over-simplifying her figure at times. Well, the only time it was decent enough was in the OP and ED skits. I don't understand why people are afraid of Sadako when she is that attractive?

Anyway, the pacing was rather less-than-stellar. Some blogs worry about it being too fast but as far as I am concerned, episodes 1 and 2 did drag a bit. They felt longer than usual, despite the fact that both are just 22 minutes long. However, the story was quite... i don't know. Like I said, a Shoujo adaptation is a very tricky game to play. It's very hit and miss too. You have the potential to create something epic like NANA and are just as likely to create a generic, forgettable story which no one will talk about 2-3 seasons from now. But there's something in Shoujo manga that I like a lot---and this stays with the manga. Quality is a thing hard to define.

I'll be watching a few more episodes of this, and probably pick up Winter Sonata and Aoi Bungaku (Not to mention the last episodes of Mouryou no Hako, Kara no Kyoukai and the release of Summer Wars and First Squad) because Darker than Black 2 and the rest just won't cut it anymore . I think I've outgrown such stories and would appreciate something that touches real life experience more. I want something mature.


Here's the nice ED. I especially liked the way they drew Sawako's full non-SD form.