Contemporary Anime/Manga in the vein of Gundam/Macross?
- Thread starter firehawk12
- Start date
Well, maybe. I suppose the original premise of the thread has run its course anyway. 
The thread is fine, but whatever.
As for Hayate, it isn't a reboot. They just take a massive right curve. As I said way back in the thread, it gets a little crazy.
As for Hayate, it isn't a reboot. They just take a massive right curve. As I said way back in the thread, it gets a little crazy.
It seems like they moved it back in time a bit, since Hayate's 16 again. But there ya go.
I also went through a few other series which were all either harem or love triangle, now that I think about it. What I find funny is that they really go out of their way not to actually resolve anything to avoid pissing anyone off. Figures.
And yeah, Gonzo really likes the panty shots. I think I've seen more upskirts in Rosario + Vampire than I have in my entire life. I'm honestly not sure if it was meant as fan service or parody because they started censoring some of the shots in the second season.
I also caught the entire series of Aria. It probably ranks as one of my favourite science fiction series/stories in any medium. There's almost zero angst or conflict, which just gives more time to do very interesting character studies. Gondaliers on Mars is a tough sell, but it works very well.
Also, Valkyria Chronicles just started. Hopefully it lives up to the video game. Off to Clannad now... or maybe something else on the many lists provided.
I also went through a few other series which were all either harem or love triangle, now that I think about it. What I find funny is that they really go out of their way not to actually resolve anything to avoid pissing anyone off. Figures.
And yeah, Gonzo really likes the panty shots. I think I've seen more upskirts in Rosario + Vampire than I have in my entire life. I'm honestly not sure if it was meant as fan service or parody because they started censoring some of the shots in the second season.
I also caught the entire series of Aria. It probably ranks as one of my favourite science fiction series/stories in any medium. There's almost zero angst or conflict, which just gives more time to do very interesting character studies. Gondaliers on Mars is a tough sell, but it works very well.
Also, Valkyria Chronicles just started. Hopefully it lives up to the video game. Off to Clannad now... or maybe something else on the many lists provided.
I think I may have become crazy overnight (I'm like that with new hobbies, I guess) but is anyone watching the new season of shows?
Maybe I'm secretly a girl, but I like K-on! and Saki. I didn't know you could make a show about playing Mahjong interesting... but, these people somehow managed to find a way.
For the "guy" side of things, I'm enjoying Full Metal Alchemist and East to Eden. Valkyria Chronicles is pretty cool too, if only because I want to watch the story without having to trudge through the game again.
Off to watch some more!
Maybe I'm secretly a girl, but I like K-on! and Saki. I didn't know you could make a show about playing Mahjong interesting... but, these people somehow managed to find a way.
For the "guy" side of things, I'm enjoying Full Metal Alchemist and East to Eden. Valkyria Chronicles is pretty cool too, if only because I want to watch the story without having to trudge through the game again.
Off to watch some more!
im not surprised you like K-on. its by the same people who did Haruhi, Clannad, FMP Fumoffu, FMP The Second Raid, Kannon, and Lucky Star. Long story short, its got a very good pedigree. Believe it or not, it is also a show designed to target males as well as females.
Fullmetal Alchemist is also pretty cool, but time will tell if this remake is able to surpas what they did in the original version. Rumor has it that it is designed to follow the manga more closely than what they did for the original series. As far as I can tell however, this really isnt the case.
East to Eden is a show that came out of left field for me and I was wowed by it. Im expecting big things from it and I cant wait to see where it goes.
Im also watching Shangri-la, which seems interesting so far but its one of those shows where I can see them dropping the ball.
Valkyria Chronicles is a pretty good show as well. Its definetly better than most game to anime adaptations out there. I hope they can keep the quality up
Then there are some shows that I am definetly not going to continue watching, like Asura Cry and Bassara
Theres some other stuff that I dled and plan on watching, but I havent really had the chance to do so.
Fullmetal Alchemist is also pretty cool, but time will tell if this remake is able to surpas what they did in the original version. Rumor has it that it is designed to follow the manga more closely than what they did for the original series. As far as I can tell however, this really isnt the case.
East to Eden is a show that came out of left field for me and I was wowed by it. Im expecting big things from it and I cant wait to see where it goes.
Im also watching Shangri-la, which seems interesting so far but its one of those shows where I can see them dropping the ball.
Valkyria Chronicles is a pretty good show as well. Its definetly better than most game to anime adaptations out there. I hope they can keep the quality up
Then there are some shows that I am definetly not going to continue watching, like Asura Cry and Bassara
Theres some other stuff that I dled and plan on watching, but I havent really had the chance to do so.
That's... Kyoto right? I'm wondering though... are anime studios sort of like video game studios, where it's the same group of people working on each project?
I wonder if it's the comedy that's supposed to appeal to men... 'cause it's pretty girly.
I must say, my favourite part of East to Eden is the Oasis OP... and the non-Engrish Washington DC stuff. But yeah, they've created enough mystery while also invoking the clear Bourne Identity reference to keep me interested. The colours also feel cooler/softer, which seems to fit the tone of the show.
There's also a show that's set in Italy... Ristorante Paradiso. I'm interested mainly because the whole Japanese interpretation of the West thing is fairly compelling to me. It's like a reverse of Memoirs of a Geisha or The Last Samurai.
I wonder if it's the comedy that's supposed to appeal to men... 'cause it's pretty girly.
I must say, my favourite part of East to Eden is the Oasis OP... and the non-Engrish Washington DC stuff. But yeah, they've created enough mystery while also invoking the clear Bourne Identity reference to keep me interested. The colours also feel cooler/softer, which seems to fit the tone of the show.
There's also a show that's set in Italy... Ristorante Paradiso. I'm interested mainly because the whole Japanese interpretation of the West thing is fairly compelling to me. It's like a reverse of Memoirs of a Geisha or The Last Samurai.
Its the moeThat's... Kyoto right? I'm wondering though... are anime studios sort of like video game studios, where it's the same group of people working on each project?
I wonder if it's the comedy that's supposed to appeal to men... 'cause it's pretty girly.
Or as some people like to describe it "cute girls doing cute things". They essentially have cute girls to attract the male otaku. As for the studio size thing, as far as I know Kyoto is an unusualy small studio so most of the people work from one project to the next. Theyre a rarity in that they only put out one show a season, where as its rather common for other studios to put out multiple shows in a season.It turned into an instant must see for me when I saw that ending. Paper cut outs and a pencil nuclear missile. Very interesting lol
Ive been watning to see that as well, but I cant stand crunchy roll quality and no fansubbing group has tackled it yet. If you like Japanese views onw estern society you may want to check out Chrono Crusade (a show that takes places in 1920s America), Baccano (another show that takes place in the early 20th century America) and Gunslinger Girl (modern day Italy). A good portion of Blood Plus also takes place in various places in the west, including Russia and New York CityThere's also a show that's set in Italy... Ristorante Paradiso. I'm interested mainly because the whole Japanese interpretation of the West thing is fairly compelling to me. It's like a reverse of Memoirs of a Geisha or The Last Samurai.
Out of this new season I've tried:
Ashura Cryin' -Well, aside from being a huge cluttered mess of genres with no clear direction in what it's going to be after 2 episodes, it has kept my attention with the the appealing female character designs, fanservice, and likable characters.
Dragonball Kai -No reason to watch this at all it's just basically the same old Dragonball Z. They didn't even bother to reanimate it with more updated animation. An uninspired glorified rerun.
Eden of the East (East to Eden...whatever it's called) -This one is probabally the most interesting of the season's prospects. Very nicely animated with an engaging story and good characters.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood -Not much different so far but this esentially redoes the series closer to the manga. If you were a fan of series 1 you'll probabally like the revamp. Either that or complain about all the SD moments.
Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom -Bee Train's latest work. Famous for their "girls with guns" series such as Noir, Madlax, and El Cazador, this is kind of departure having a male and female lead duo. So far the story is very interesting although it's Bee Train so it moves at a snail's pace. It also has some nice music.
Queen's Blade -Steer clear of this unless you like pointless over the top fanservice series. It's quite bad, and this is comming froma guy who enjoyed Ikki Tousen and Tenjho Tenge. At least those two were sexy this one is just gross.
Shangri La -I'm really up in the air with this one. If it doesn't get better within a few more episodes I'm dropping it. None of the characters are all that interesting except for maybe out high tech boomerang throwing lead. In fact some of them give me the creeps and aren't the sex they dressed as.
Also still trying to finish a couple other series which are plagued by maddeningly slow subbers, Birdy the Mighty: Decode 2 and Jigoku Shoujo: Mitsuganae.
Ashura Cryin' -Well, aside from being a huge cluttered mess of genres with no clear direction in what it's going to be after 2 episodes, it has kept my attention with the the appealing female character designs, fanservice, and likable characters.
Dragonball Kai -No reason to watch this at all it's just basically the same old Dragonball Z. They didn't even bother to reanimate it with more updated animation. An uninspired glorified rerun.
Eden of the East (East to Eden...whatever it's called) -This one is probabally the most interesting of the season's prospects. Very nicely animated with an engaging story and good characters.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood -Not much different so far but this esentially redoes the series closer to the manga. If you were a fan of series 1 you'll probabally like the revamp. Either that or complain about all the SD moments.
Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom -Bee Train's latest work. Famous for their "girls with guns" series such as Noir, Madlax, and El Cazador, this is kind of departure having a male and female lead duo. So far the story is very interesting although it's Bee Train so it moves at a snail's pace. It also has some nice music.
Queen's Blade -Steer clear of this unless you like pointless over the top fanservice series. It's quite bad, and this is comming froma guy who enjoyed Ikki Tousen and Tenjho Tenge. At least those two were sexy this one is just gross.
Shangri La -I'm really up in the air with this one. If it doesn't get better within a few more episodes I'm dropping it. None of the characters are all that interesting except for maybe out high tech boomerang throwing lead. In fact some of them give me the creeps and aren't the sex they dressed as.
Also still trying to finish a couple other series which are plagued by maddeningly slow subbers, Birdy the Mighty: Decode 2 and Jigoku Shoujo: Mitsuganae.
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Gotta love acid spewing titsOut of this new season I've tried:
Queen's Blade -Steer clear of this unless you like pointless over the top fanservice series. It's quite bad, and this is comming froma guy who enjoyed Ikki Tousen and Tenjho Tenge. At least those two were sexy this one is just gross.
Hah, moe moeeee. I assumed that was sexual though, given the reaction of the nerd characters in Genshiken and Kannagi.
I may check out some of those other suggestions for Japanese takes on the West. I guess it's kind of neat that anime seems to be the only way that this kind of narrative can happen because... well, not that many white actors in Japan I imagine.
I may check out some of those other suggestions for Japanese takes on the West. I guess it's kind of neat that anime seems to be the only way that this kind of narrative can happen because... well, not that many white actors in Japan I imagine.
Japan doesn't do sexy. Cute is as close as they get.
I may check out some of those other suggestions for Japanese takes on the West. I guess it's kind of neat that anime seems to be the only way that this kind of narrative can happen because... well, not that many white actors in Japan I imagine.
Watch Emma for a very in depth, slice of life look at Victorian England.
Not a lot of white actors in Japan, but there are lots of white models and actors doing ads. Most of the advertisements here feature non-Asians, probably because they stand out.
On the sexiness thing - isn't that the point of Gonzo and all their weird upskirt/giant breast animes? For some reason I watched Strike Witches and they cut to the chase and didn't have them wear any pants. Maybe that's just perverted.
And yeah, the Emma series was one of the first ones I watched and for the most part I enjoyed it. Now that was as close to an equivalent of Memoirs of a Geisha that I've seen - down to reproducing a specific moment in history.
As for how whiteness is represented in "real world" Japan and Asia as a whole... well, I'll just say that I find it unsual that they can make money selling products that are meant to lighten your skin.
I know being mixed raced in Hong Kong is like sort of the epitome of "style" in that you've got some Chinese features but your skin is light.
And yeah, the Emma series was one of the first ones I watched and for the most part I enjoyed it. Now that was as close to an equivalent of Memoirs of a Geisha that I've seen - down to reproducing a specific moment in history.
As for how whiteness is represented in "real world" Japan and Asia as a whole... well, I'll just say that I find it unsual that they can make money selling products that are meant to lighten your skin.
I know being mixed raced in Hong Kong is like sort of the epitome of "style" in that you've got some Chinese features but your skin is light.
With all the anime out there, and the fact maybe only 15% of them have characters that actually look remotely asian or Japanese, it seems to me like they have some type of psychological aversion to their own liniage. Either that or it's just tradition to have white looking characters and few decide to break with it. 
Yeah, I've been having that conversation with a couple people myself. Broadly speaking, I'm sure it's tied to normative whiteness and the overall fetishization of whiteness that happens in Asia. In China, there's a white guy named "Big Mountain" who became a famous entertainer simply because he's white and he's fluent in Mandarin.
In anime it's sort of weird for me because I'm not quite sure if they are meant to be white or Japanese. Some series are set in "Japan", so there's an expectation that all the characters are Japanese... except they'll have blonde hair blue eyed characters which just throws everything off.
It's more ambiguous when it comes to fantasy or science fiction, where it's just not clear who is white and who is Japanese. Part of that might be wishful obsfucation - thinking that there's no real difference between being white and being Japanese - it's just doubly odd when you consider that there are "brown" and "black" characters in a lot of anime series.
It's an interesting question, but I've been purposely turning off my academic brain because I want to enjoy anime without ruining it like I have with American TV and Film.
In anime it's sort of weird for me because I'm not quite sure if they are meant to be white or Japanese. Some series are set in "Japan", so there's an expectation that all the characters are Japanese... except they'll have blonde hair blue eyed characters which just throws everything off.
It's more ambiguous when it comes to fantasy or science fiction, where it's just not clear who is white and who is Japanese. Part of that might be wishful obsfucation - thinking that there's no real difference between being white and being Japanese - it's just doubly odd when you consider that there are "brown" and "black" characters in a lot of anime series.
It's an interesting question, but I've been purposely turning off my academic brain because I want to enjoy anime without ruining it like I have with American TV and Film.
Knowing when to turn it on and off is the real skill.
Some series are deep and profound and require some thought investment and logical reasoning to understand, others....not so much.
So far this year I've seen 26:
009-1
Armored Trooper Votoms
Clannad
Clannad: After Story
Gundam 00 Season 2
Gunslinger Girl: Il Teatrino
Gurren Lagaan
Kara no Kyoukai movie 5: Paradox Spiral
Kimi ga Nozomu Eien: Next Season OVA
Kodocha!
Library War Special
Love Hina
Lyrical Nanoha
Lyrical Nanoha A's
Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit
Murder Princess OVA
Negima!?
Negima!?: Spring and Summer Specials
Negima: Tsubasa Ala Abla
Real Drive
Rideback
Shikabane Hime (both series)
STrAIn: Strategic Armored Infantry
To Aru Majutsu no Index
Tytania
Welcome to the NHK
I'm currently watching:
Ashura Cryin'
Birdy the Mighty: Decode 2
Bleach
Fantastic Children
Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Jigoku Shoujo: Mitsuganae (Hell Girl season 3)
Naruto Shippuden
Phantom: Requiem
White Album (currently stalled until the next half airs in the summer)
Some series are deep and profound and require some thought investment and logical reasoning to understand, others....not so much.
So far this year I've seen 26:
009-1
Armored Trooper Votoms
Clannad
Clannad: After Story
Gundam 00 Season 2
Gunslinger Girl: Il Teatrino
Gurren Lagaan
Kara no Kyoukai movie 5: Paradox Spiral
Kimi ga Nozomu Eien: Next Season OVA
Kodocha!
Library War Special
Love Hina
Lyrical Nanoha
Lyrical Nanoha A's
Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit
Murder Princess OVA
Negima!?
Negima!?: Spring and Summer Specials
Negima: Tsubasa Ala Abla
Real Drive
Rideback
Shikabane Hime (both series)
STrAIn: Strategic Armored Infantry
To Aru Majutsu no Index
Tytania
Welcome to the NHK
I'm currently watching:
Ashura Cryin'
Birdy the Mighty: Decode 2
Bleach
Fantastic Children
Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Jigoku Shoujo: Mitsuganae (Hell Girl season 3)
Naruto Shippuden
Phantom: Requiem
White Album (currently stalled until the next half airs in the summer)
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You know, I don't know if anime characters are suppose to "look Japanese" so much as they represent the "ideal" Japanese person--at least with women, or to be more exact, Geisha.
It's pretty obvious that the early anime characters were derived from 17-19th century artworks. And those of the era specifically of Geisha do look a lot like anime characters.
And, if you look at a woman who is widely considered to be very attractive all dolled up in Geisha gear, she does look very animeish.
It's pretty obvious that the early anime characters were derived from 17-19th century artworks. And those of the era specifically of Geisha do look a lot like anime characters.
And, if you look at a woman who is widely considered to be very attractive all dolled up in Geisha gear, she does look very animeish.
I guess that might explain the faces... but then there are the blond hair and other features that are pretty much synonymous with "white".
And you know, I can't even remember how many shows I've watched since I started this thread... it's scaaary.
And you know, I can't even remember how many shows I've watched since I started this thread... it's scaaary.
Knowing when to turn it on and off is the real skill.
Some series are deep and profound and require some thought investment and logical reasoning to understand, others....not so much.
So far this year I've seen 26:
009-1
Armored Trooper Votoms
Clannad
Clannad: After Story
Gundam 00 Season 2
Gunslinger Girl: Il Teatrino
Gurren Lagaan
Kara no Kyoukai movie 5: Paradox Spiral
Kimi ga Nozomu Eien: Next Season OVA
Kodocha!
Library War Special
Love Hina
Lyrical Nanoha
Lyrical Nanoha A's
Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit
Murder Princess OVA
Negima!?
Negima!?: Spring and Summer Specials
Negima: Tsubasa Ala Abla
Real Drive
Rideback
Shikabane Hime (both series)
STrAIn: Strategic Armored Infantry
To Aru Majutsu no Index
Tytania
Welcome to the NHK
I'm currently watching:
Ashura Cryin'
Birdy the Mighty: Decode 2
Bleach
Fantastic Children
Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Jigoku Shoujo: Mitsuganae (Hell Girl season 3)
Naruto Shippuden
Phantom: Requiem
White Album (currently stalled until the next half airs in the summer)
yeah, yeah, rub it in
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