deanzel
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'MURICA

Natsume's Book of Friends
9

Reply by deanzel
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The Nastume Yuujinchou series is a powerful and heartwarming fantasy masterpiece among the anime world. I absolutely loved the series and couldn't stop watching till the very end. The quality through all 4 seasons was just superb without a hint of drop-off. The range of emotions and themes covered in Nastume Yuujinchou is beyond impressive. It would have me ROFL with Nyanko-sensei's antics in one minute to within Clannad-esque tears in the very next. However, what truly struck me was how N.Y. was able to find a duality/struggling conflict within all of these different themes and truly challenge the feelings and emotions of the viewer. This was done by creating such spectacular characters from Natsume and his family/friends down to the individual youkai that we meet for only a single episode. The creators do a magnificent job getting us emotionally invested in this world via these relatable and lovable characters. It's an amazing ride (and I hope we get another season) as we join Natsume on his journey as he learns to accept and understand his ever changing world, the people/youkai around him, and, ultimately, himself. This is right at the top of my list of must watch anime. Don't think. Just watch.

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@ManiacB

Season 5 coming this FALL!!!!! REJOICE!!!! (Of course, I have forgotten everything that has happened in this series...)

http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2016-03-20/natsume-book-of-friends-tv-anime-gets-season-5-this-fall/.100011

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Fate/Zero

This was a fantastic series and Ufotable (of The Garden of Sinners fame) was really able to show off their animation skills to the max here. This prequel to Fast/stay Night (which was made by Studio Deen) was leaps and bounds better than its predecessor in every aspect from story and pacing to animation, art and choreography. I watched Fate/stay Night first as I was told that watching it after Fate/Zero would just make it pale in comparison and I think this may be the best option (of course if you have the time, play the visual novel of Fate/Stay night instead). Even though I knew of some of the events to happen, Fate/Zero still kept me on my toes with unexpected twists and surprises. I also learned a lot more about the Fate universe and things from FSN made A LOT more sense after watching FZ as Ufotable did a much better job of explaining things than Studio Deen.

All the masters and servants get their fair share of back story and development and over time I really started to emphasize with each one of them. The dialogue and writing is fantastic in both the dub and sub versions. I loved the soundtrack too especially the first OP, "oath sign" by LiSA. Everything moved at a great pace and I couldn't wait to watch the next episode. Most importantly, this probably had the best action scenes that I've seen in any TV anime series (the Eva Rebuild and The Garden of Sinners of movies are on similar levels) so try to watch this on a big screen.

This show is definitely a must watch for anyone that enjoys a deep and compelling action-adventure anime. I'm really looking forward to Ufotable's remake of the FSN series (following Illya's arc I believe) that will be released in 2014. And definitely watch The Garden of Sinners movies as ManicB says. You won't regret it.

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@dulneth-p I only really know for the Fate/Stay-Night / Fate-Zero series. I'd probably start with Fate/Zero first since it is chronologically first and a prequel. Then I'd go with the new Fate/Stay-Night Unlimited Blade Works series from 2014. You can watch the Heaven's Feel movies after that. I'd skip the original Fate/Stay-Night from 2006 since it wasn't done very well. If you're feeling completionist, you could watch it but they kind of cover different routes from the Visual Novel.

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The Fruit of Evolution: Before I Knew It, My Life Had It Made
4

Reply by deanzel
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This was the worst anime of Fall 2021.
Story was just a rip-off of Arifureta (https://trakt.tv/shows/arifureta-from-commonplace-to-world-s-strongest), characters were over-exaggerated & no side-character development whatsoever, animations seems a bit dull at few points and above all leading female character is a :point_right_tone1: GORILLA :point_left_tone1:.
I won't recommend this to anyone.

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@supriyo8799 I don't know. There's just something about Kana Hanazawa playing a giant gorilla that soothes the soul...

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Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation
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Reply by deanzel
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This is THE anime that we've all been waiting and yearning for. Many of us hardcore Mushoku Tensei fans have been waiting years upon years for an anime adaptation to finally hit, and HIT it has. I was a little skeptical with a brand new studio undertaking this, but all the previews had looked great so I was cautiously optimistic. The source material is my absolute favorite isekai series (which says a lot) and the light/web novel will always hold a special place in my fandom. So how were the first two episodes so far (first has aired officially and the first two were previewed beforehand)?

AMAZING. I really don't know if it's just because the source material is that good, but this has been a SPOT ON adaptation so far. Right when I heard "Gintoki" as the NEET narrator, I knew shit was gonna be good. The sense of humor and pervertedness of Rudy is really well incorporated throughout the first two episodes, and makes this more than just a "another OP isekai". But even with that sense of humor, the anime has taken great depths to give solid (but not overwhelming) background info on the characters and highlighting particularly serious moments. This was especially evident in the second episode where the handling of Rudy's "fall into NEETness" and past trauma was interweaved perfectly into his current situation and setting.

I can't wait for the rest of the anime to air. It seems that a second cour has already been green-lighted so let's hope this can turn into one of those long-running anime series. If they can make it to the school arcs, I'll have lived a complete life...

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@maniacb Yeah I understand. As I said in my initial post, this is BY FAR my favorite isekai series out there (anime, light/web novel, manga). It is probably my favorite light novel series as well (or right at the top). The source material is just absolutely amazing and it's been around for a while. It's just taken a while to get an anime adaptation, so I would definitely not consider it like a regular "isekai". Also, the anime adaptation seems fantastic so far (especially for a new studio), so I'm pretty optimistic given my love of the original material.

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Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation
9

Reply by deanzel
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This is THE anime that we've all been waiting and yearning for. Many of us hardcore Mushoku Tensei fans have been waiting years upon years for an anime adaptation to finally hit, and HIT it has. I was a little skeptical with a brand new studio undertaking this, but all the previews had looked great so I was cautiously optimistic. The source material is my absolute favorite isekai series (which says a lot) and the light/web novel will always hold a special place in my fandom. So how were the first two episodes so far (first has aired officially and the first two were previewed beforehand)?

AMAZING. I really don't know if it's just because the source material is that good, but this has been a SPOT ON adaptation so far. Right when I heard "Gintoki" as the NEET narrator, I knew shit was gonna be good. The sense of humor and pervertedness of Rudy is really well incorporated throughout the first two episodes, and makes this more than just a "another OP isekai". But even with that sense of humor, the anime has taken great depths to give solid (but not overwhelming) background info on the characters and highlighting particularly serious moments. This was especially evident in the second episode where the handling of Rudy's "fall into NEETness" and past trauma was interweaved perfectly into his current situation and setting.

I can't wait for the rest of the anime to air. It seems that a second cour has already been green-lighted so let's hope this can turn into one of those long-running anime series. If they can make it to the school arcs, I'll have lived a complete life...

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@maniacb It'll continue a bit with the pervyness, but the ecchi scenes will definitely decrease for a while. There might be one more scene featuring Eris (it's not that extreme or anything), but after that it goes into a more traditional fantasy setup (albeit an extremely great one). There wouldn't be a return to the "hentai" levels unless this series gets to like a 3rd season at least imo. By then, you'll be hook line and sinkered ;)

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Wise Man’s Grandchild
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Shout by sp1ti
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I'm just watching this on the side (dubbed even) but dang, it's worse and more clichéd than I expected. Hard to believe someone would actually produce this.

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@sp1ti Yah, this is beyond god awful. I love my overpowered isekai anime, but this one is definitely... not good. It seems like it's aimed at 10 years olds with how simplistic and clichéd everything is. The chances of me finishing this are... also not good.

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JoJo's Bizarre Adventure
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Reply by deanzel
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This series is a beautiful duwang.

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@mrcloud_ No doubt. I always get a feeling so complicated whenever I watch it.

I am wood.

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Noragami
7

Reply by deanzel
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The second season of Noragami has just finished and it surpassed the first in every way. I remember really enjoying the first season but finding the final few episodes and confrontation a bit underwhelming. Well, the second season doesn't have that problem. It hits the ground running and remains consistently good throughout. Deciding to animate two arcs back-to-back with little-to-no filler in between was definitely a wise decision by Bones.

As others have already said, this series really does stand out from other more generic action/comedy shows, thanks to a likable and well-developed cast, good quality animation and of course a godly soundtrack by Iwasaki Taku (also responsible for the soundtrack in Katanagatari).

All in all I have really enjoyed Noragami thus far and I hope we get more in the future.

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Nice. I gotta finish up the second half of the first season and get to the good stuff!!

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GATE
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Reply by deanzel
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Should have had 24 episodes :(

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It is going to be 24 episodes. Second cour (last 12 episodes) will start airing in the winter season though.

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Rokka: Braves of the Six Flowers

Hi! You might not know me but I'm Adlet Mayer. The strongest man in the world.

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The DANKEST man in the world. Science.

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Yamada-kun and the Seven Witches
7

Reply by deanzel
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I'm absolutely loving this show so far. A great Rom-Com with a premise that does actually deliver imo. It may be slightly rushed compared to the manga but it still works well. Plus, Shiraishi = love.

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Just finished the show and love it but I hate Shiraishi. #TeamNENE for life. Beautiful ending nonetheless.

I'm a bit torn on what to rate it as the last quarter of the show was sooooooooo rushed but I loved the adaptation of the manga before then and the changes that they made up to that point. I'm amazed that they were able to cram 90 chapters into this. If I hadn't read the manga, I'd give this a very solid 7/10 (which is quite high for me). Knowing how much things were rushed at the end, I may have to knock it down slightly.

Anyway, I'm still enjoying the manga and it looks to be finally getting back into shape recently. Also, if you haven't seen the OVAs yet, I'd definitely give them a watch. It is new OVA-original material and the Second Festival arc was absolutely hilarious.

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Is it Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?

The show that invented the "tit ribbon". Need I say more? A must watch.

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http://i.imgur.com/RJOJPyq.gif

NOW, I don't have to say anymore. ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

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Amagi Brilliant Park
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Reply by deanzel
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An enjoyable 13 episode romp through a silly theme park with fantasy elements thrown in.

The series looks great and holds up to KyoAni's usual high quality of animation for the most part, although a couple of episodes do seem to suffer some "still frame" budget issues (which they may or may not fix in the BD releases). The comedy usually works well and the plot never gets too serious to not retain the light hearted enjoyment factor. Most of the characters are likeable and play off each other well.

This is probably KyoAni's most "fanservicey" show in recent years, although still very tame compared to some out there. Whilst it's obviously aiming primarily for the male demographic, I don't see why others couldn't enjoy it too. And hey, if you are a hetero male, all the better, as there are lots of cute girls to gawk at (Sento best).

A fun experience overall with all but a couple of episodes hitting their mark and hitting it well. Definitely one of KyoAni's best shows in recent memory.

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What am I going to do without my MEMES/SENTO?!?!

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Silver Spoon
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Reply by deanzel
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7

Shout by sp1ti
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I've added my two cents about the show previously and I'm happy to say it hasimproved (even my wish of a better OP was granted). Where as most anime play it save in an detached setting, Silver Spoon keeps it's Slice of Life grounded and has characters dealing with real-life issues. The start was a bit slow imho but Hachiken keeps on growing throughout the show. If we're lucky another season will be made but this would still be an ending I could live with. It's not selling that well but the manga is still ranked highly.

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I was definitely surprised by how much I enjoyed this show. It was a very relaxing watch and a SOL that had real issues to deal with. I'm praying for a third season but I won't get my hopes up.

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Your lie in April
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Reply by deanzel
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7

Shout by ManiacB
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I am cautiously hopeful for this one. I like feel and the art style shown in the PV (http://youtu.be/Sk39zsayK_0) and being in the noitaminA block will hopefully mean something a little bit different. The plot doesn't sound massively original but it has the potential to do some interesting things.

I'm just hoping A-1 Pictures don't screw this one up like they have with a lot of other series recently.

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I'm praying for something amazing like Nodame Cantabile. I love me my classical music although not as much as house :)

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Terra Formars

Reply by deanzel
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Shout by sp1ti
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For the love of Johj! No way in hell can I watch this like that. One of the only good things about Terra Formars is it's gore which is blatantly censored in every scene. It isn't just a tiny bit: 2/3 of the screen is just black because of that! Since it all boils down to fighting cockroaches with animal powers this will be an issue throughout the show. With the current pace which leaves out pretty much everything even more so.
I might check back for the BDs but it seems like a doomed adaptation anyways.

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Honestly, this looks just terrible so far to me. I think that it will take a miraculous Hail Mary for me to somehow pick this show up.

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Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works

Reply by deanzel
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Just confirmed that the Fate/stay night 2014 series will cover the Unlimited Bladeworks route and there will also be a Heaven's Feel movie released later on. Whoa. That's a whole lot of Fating to come. Take a bow, ufotable. You deserve it.

http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-07-27/new-fate-stay-night-tv-anime-is-unlimited-bladeworks/.77058
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-07-27/fate-stay-night-heaven-feel-route-gets-film/.77059

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Urobutcher time has finally begun.

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Nisekoi
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Reply by deanzel
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Season 2 confirmed! Prepare for more "will they, won't they" teasing and probably nothing resembling a resolution in sight :D

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I can tell you one thing as a manga reader, "You ain't seen nothing yet".

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His and Her Circumstances

Reply by deanzel
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I really enjoyed this series, it's just a shame that it was marred by some major budget issues (some episodes are practically slide shows) and not having any kind of conclusion when it ended. Anyone who watches this and enjoys it should probably check out the Manga to find what happens next ;)

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I'm just starting to watch this series. Sub or dub for this one? I've got the Exiled-Destiny release. I usually go subs but I don't know how good they are in this case. I tried to get a sense of it on MAL and other places but had no luck.

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Persona 4 The Golden Animation
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Reply by deanzel
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Shout by ManiacB
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Man, Atlus really need to make Persona 5 already (already announced at least). I love Persona 3 and 4 but they have been milked to the ground at this point.

I find it quite odd that they're doing another series so soon after the "original" just to cover the extra material from Golden. I mean sure, there is some, but I do wonder if there's enough to fill an entire series without a lot of filler and repeated scenes from the original series.

Oh well. I'll probably batch watch it at some point, since I'm still playing through P4G at the moment and don't want to spoil the Epilogue for myself by watching this first :P

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I've enjoyed this so far. Very little recap or covering of previous events in P4A (and the game). Most of the show focuses on the new Golden materials (at least so far). And Yu has become a complete boss in this one and much more personable.

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Persona 4 The Golden Animation
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Reply by deanzel
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Shout by ManiacB
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Man, Atlus really need to make Persona 5 already (already announced at least). I love Persona 3 and 4 but they have been milked to the ground at this point.

I find it quite odd that they're doing another series so soon after the "original" just to cover the extra material from Golden. I mean sure, there is some, but I do wonder if there's enough to fill an entire series without a lot of filler and repeated scenes from the original series.

Oh well. I'll probably batch watch it at some point, since I'm still playing through P4G at the moment and don't want to spoil the Epilogue for myself by watching this first :P

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This is only supposed to be 12 episodes so I'm interested to see how much of it that they focus on Marie and the extra events of Golden (mainly, I want an awesome version of the Junes concert).

http://myanimelist.net/forum/?topicid=1213117
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6R0vUAkEeZQ

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Broken Blade
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Reply by deanzel
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7

Shout by deanzel
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BlockedParentSpoilers2014-01-05T20:05:30Z

I liked the films and thought it was a cool nice take on a bit more realistic mecha war action. You really got to see how war changed people. The characters were well done and the action wasn't over-the-top with ridiculous powerups or abilities by the MC. But man... that ending was brutal. Anti-climatic and incomplete = essentially begging for a sequel (I can dream). But I guess that's what you get with an anime original ending at movie 6 when the manga material ran out. I could read the manga (and am considering it) but I'm not interested unless I know for a fact that Rygart and Sigyn end up together!!!

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After watching the TV series, this was an egregiously blatant cash grab. There were virtually no differences between the movies and the TV series except for parts of episode 10. And they kept the same anime original ending which just pales in comparison to the manga version and does not leave things as open for a sequel/continuation of the series. If you were watching this for the first time, I'd watch the movies in BD quality (along with a pretty nice dub for people who enjoy that) and just see episode 10 to see the added battle/scenes. It's still a very enjoyable show but I'm disappointed with what the creators did with this "reboot".

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The Kawai Complex Guide to Manors and Hostel Behavior
7

Reply by deanzel
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I really enjoyed this series. It reminds me of Sakurasou (http://trakt.tv/show/the-pet-girl-of-sakurasou) but I enjoyed this one more. Visually it reminds me of a Makoto Shinkai film (http://trakt.tv/movie/5-centimeters-per-second-2007) and that's a good thing!

In terms of the humour and the characters, I really enjoyed both. Kawai is adorable and Mayumi/Sayaka make for some very funny and likeable support characters.

It's a shame this was only 12 episodes long. The final episode isn't terrible but it could easily have continued for another cour. Hopefully we'll get a second season at some point!

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Agree completely. Kawai had a very similar feeling and setup like Sakurasou (weird cast of characters living in a house/dorm). Although, Maison Ikkoku could be considered the precursor to all this in the first place! In terms of pure entertainment, I may have enjoyed Kawai a bit more also. The humor just hit home about 90% of the time. All the characters were just full of win although my personal favorite was Mayumi but maybe because I could sympathize with her a bit :(

It definitely sucks that it was only 12 episodes as I was interested to see if the same formula would work for another cour or not. It is difficult with the format to keep things fresh but the characters are so strong that I think they could have pulled it off. Anyway, I'll add this to my already egregiously long list of shows that I hope will get a second season.

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Knights of Sidonia
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Reply by deanzel
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7

Shout by sp1ti
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Season 2 has been confirmed as per last episode. That is good news!

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"CG nipples" you say? SOLD!!!

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Knights of Sidonia
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Reply by deanzel
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7

Shout by sp1ti
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Season 2 has been confirmed as per last episode. That is good news!

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As long as it has sufficient fanservice, I will watch anything :)

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Knights of Sidonia
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Reply by deanzel
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7

Shout by sp1ti
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Season 2 has been confirmed as per last episode. That is good news!

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This show always looked intriguing to me. I may have to check it out if you think that it's good.

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No Game No Life
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Reply by deanzel
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Through 4 episodes, I think that this is the best show that is airing this season so far. It is an amazing combination of wit, comedy, epic "battles" and, of course, fanservice (Shiro = moe). The brother-sister MC combo of Sora and Shiro have vibed perfectly so far and I can't wait for the new episode to air each Wednesday. It reminds me of the setup in Mondaiji-tachi ga Isekai kara Kuru Sou Desu yo? but has many more interesting premises and brings more intellectual charm and humor imo. The art/colors take a little getting used to in the beginning but I don't mind it now. Madhouse is really showing off their stuff with this and I hope that a second season is in the works soon. Definitely give this a shot and watch a few episodes for the action to really heat up.

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http://i3.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/newsfeed/000/615/056/23c.gif

After completing the first season, I can answer your question, Maximus: "Yes, I was entertained."

I thoroughly enjoyed this show the whole way through from start to finish. Madhouse delivered as they usually do (minus Mahouka but I don't think anyone could have saved that mess). A very solid 8/10 for me although I am a sucker for fanservice and otaku references. It's score on MAL and some other places is pretty egregious right now but whatever. At least I got on the bandwagon from the first episode! Enjoy it for what it is people. Season 2 please because I need mo' Jibril.

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Nanana's Buried Treasure
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Reply by deanzel
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3

Shout by sp1ti
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This show is a big fat reminder that most anime is created to promote their source material. While the synopsis and first episode promised fun adventures, they didn't deliver at all. Instead we get a directionless mess that doesn't even scratch at the main promise/mystery the show sets early on. The "finale" is SAO tier and ends with a huge load of teasers of what's happening in the novels if you're ever going to read them.
The characters are also extremely flat and boring and the one this show is named after is among it's worst offenders. The only redeeming thing is the deus ex machina device in form of Tensai and maybe seeing what video games Nanana is playing.

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I agree that this show went almost absolutely nowhere. I actually really did like the setup and the characters (except Nanana, she needs to pass on ASAP) but all that potential was wasted with the pacing, direction and story (or lack there of) in the show. I never felt that we ever got a sense of "payoff" at any point while watching this show. If this were a first cour, I would still be disappointed but would relegate it to establishing characters, story, etc. However, for a complete first season, it is kind of a disaster. The best thing from this show was definitely Tensai and at the very least we got a solid dose of her throughout.

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Rainbow
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Reply by deanzel
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"Beautiful". That is how one would describe both a seven-colored rainbow and the anime Rainbow: Nisha Rokubou no Shichinin. How corny was that opening? But, honestly, it is the only word that I can think of to describe this breathtaking show about the beauty of true and everlasting bonds of friendship even during the darkest of times. This show is about the way seven teenagers (the "seven-colored Rainbow") condemned to the living hell of Shio Reformatory can withstand and survive horrors and pain that were beyond my wildest imaginations. Madhouse (god do I love them) created a masterpiece with this one and it got me addicted right from the start.

Both the story and characters are the main crux of the show, and they drive this emotional piece right through to the end and never let go of the viewer (no matter how hard we want to look away at times). And this is one dark and grim show. This is 10 years post-WWII Japan where the country is in shambles with starvation, crime and corruption rampant everywhere. The seven main boys are literally the lowest on the totem poll of society and are thrown into Shio to be used and almost disposed of, and the situations and events that are presented in this show represent those very thoughts. Rape, murder, betrayal, torture. You name it.

There were so many times that I wanted to just rage or was cringing during this show because of how unfair, despicable and disturbing things were at times. However, good things do eventually happen!! Rainbow gives us the light at the end of the tunnel at just the right times and the strength of the friendship and bond between the seven boys powers the viewer through all the despair. It connects us to the characters even more and you truly end up sympathizing and rooting for these guys throughout the show. It truly is awe-inspiring how the guys kept a positive outlook even in the worst of circumstances.

Rainbow: Nisha Rokubou no Shichinin is brutal to watch at times due to its highly graphic nature and mature themes, but the payoff in story and character development is unlike any other that I've seen in anime. More people need to see this show!! Madhouse created a masterpiece and if you have the stomach for it, I highly suggest that you watch this ASAP. It will not disappoint. Do it for An-chan.

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@sp1ti Rainbow definitely goes to some really dark places (completely cringeworthy) but the way the MCs persevere through everything is truly inspiring. I hate to sound corny like that but it's the best way to explain it. As I said, the show really does give us the good and heartwarming moments at the right times amidst all the intense suffering (that you will certainly enjoy).

And the show does end at a very good spot. No ending cliffhanger or anything with a good sense of progress. The 2nd half is about following along with the lives of the boys as adults and what they go through. It is essentially divided up into individual arcs that focus on one of the MCs at a time, so there will always be more stories in a sense. I really wanted to continue the manga as well because the story and characters were just so amazing but scanlations are way behind unfortunately. I've bookmarked it to come back to maybe in a couple years when it is hopefully completed. I think that you'd really enjoy the show and I was surprised by how little activity there is on trakt for it. It is highly regarded on MAL though (take that as you will).

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