Friday, May 18, 2007

April 2007 New Anime - Second thoughts Round 1 Part 2


The Good:

Murder Princess
Second thought: As an OVA, the release rate is pretty good (About one a month). The first episode is pretty simple. There was no hint of bigger conspiracy. The second episode, however, start to hint that there's a bigger plot that it originally seemed. With some light comedy mixed in, it is definately one of the best in the April 2007 season.
Revised rating: 4.6 out of 5 (net gain: 0.1, it's already way up there, really hard to gain much more)

Kono Aozora ni Yakusoku wo
Second thought: What originally seemed to be the plot line in episode 1 was resolved in the next 2 episodes. Now I'll have to see how the new plot is planned. Only thing I'm afraid is that there is not going to be another one, because of the formula it's following right now. We'll see.
Revised rating: 3.8 out of 5 (no gain, no loss)

Kaze no Stigma
Second thought: The plot of the first segment is being developed very quickly. At this point, I'm not sure this is going to be the central plot line dragging through the serie or just the starter sub-plot. Either way it's becoming even more interesting. Although it's still primarily drama, more light comedies are being mixed in to lighten things up.
Revised rating: 4.5 out of 5 (net gain: 0.5)
Awards: Top Drama, April 2007 - Early Impression
Additional comment: Gonzo has been one of my favorite production studios. But lately, I have not been impressed with their new works, until this one came out.

Hitohira
Second thought: Overall, it's still good. Plot is moving forward, though not fast enough by my standard. It's still interesting. I'll have to see where is it going.
Revised rating: 4.1 out of 5 (net gain: -0.15)

Shinkyoku Sokai Polyphonica
Second thought: The plot line has been very very very formula so far. However, the it laid out feels like all these are the seeds being planted for the grand plot to be tied up in or near the end, like Kiddy Grade or Daphane in the Brilliant Blue. It actually has some very distinct similiarities with them. By now, I'd say my final rating for this one is probably going to be based on how well it ties up them all in the end. We'll see. Also, as usual, I seem to overlook the pre-opening scenes before the 1st episode. Although there's no clear indication, it looks like the pre-opening scenes will play much larger role in the future plot development.
Revised rating: 4.25 out of 5 (no gain, no loss)

Kiss Dum - Engage Planet
Second thought: Episode 1 is almost complete confusion. Episode 2 cleared up the confusion. Episode 3, however, made everything confusing again. I thought I knew where it's heading, but not any more. Initial episode made me give the comment "highly recommended for everybody". Now I think I'll retrieve that comment. I'll have to see several more episodes before I can make any recommendation for this one.
Revised rating: 3.7 out of 5 (net gain: -0.7)

The Bad:

Seirei no Moribito
Second thought: I just couldn't stand this type of art style for too long. Personally, I'm ok with the main character's design. But all the supporting character are just unacceptable to me. Sometime, too much realistic is not necessarily a good thing. Storywise, I think it has potential. But I just couldn't lay my eye on the art work any more. So, this one is a goner.
Verdict: Off my harddrive.
Final rating: 3.25 out of 5 (no gain, no loss) I'm tossing it away only because I couldn't stand its art style.

No comments: