Santa offered me a full DVD set of Revolutionary Girl Utena, and I watched the first episode this morning.
And, wow, this is impressive stuff. I was fearing some form of Hype Backlash (especially considering that the character designs aren't really to my taste), but it's an absolute joy to watch. It seems like it's the Code Geass of the 90s : heavily stylized, and with a strong sense of what it's trying to do and where it's going. It's also very obviously having fun while doing it. There's a definite risk it'll collapse under its own weight by the end, but I'm willing to get on the ride.
My only problem is that I have trouble ripping it to my portable player (only the first episode went right), so I won't be able to watch it while commuting. It's going to have to compete for my at-home free time with my playing of the 5th Umineko VN...
Utena is really good, though it becomes an epic Mind Screw later on. Also, it tends to reuse certain bits of animation - transformation scenes and the like - quite a bit.
But I adored it, personally.
The owner of this account is temporarily unavailable. Please leave your number and call again later.Well, I can't vouch for the whole series, but the first episode of the TV version is full of delightful little tricks to speed the plot along and deliver exposition in a fun way. There's not a single wasteful scene, which helps when the setup is so convoluted.
(Also : according to ANN, the manga came two years after the TV series. It's an Anime First franchise, apparently.)
Yay, Kampfer Abridged is online!
Apparently, this project was nothing more than a means to test Masako's writing/directing skills for spoof humor and I have to say he's done an impressive job so far. Great voice-work as well.
MAL Profile | Underwhelming blogIt's also a great outlet for his range on the...um, gender bent lead, as if the fact one of his roles in Naruto The Abridged Series is HINATA wasn't enough.
IMO, he did a good job.
edited 5th Jan '10 7:07:28 AM by PikaHikariKT
The Utena movie is crazy - it's even more Mindscrewy than the anime gets, and that's saying something. It does, however, have beautiful visuals and great music.
I'd say watch it after you see the series (if at all). It works best as a sort of thematic sequel to the anime, with the characters on their next step in development.
I have all the manga, but I haven't gotten around to reading it yet.
edited 5th Jan '10 7:22:23 AM by Drakyndra
The owner of this account is temporarily unavailable. Please leave your number and call again later.During some catching up of Anime Olympics (why am I not surprised Cristina likes Azumanga Daioh, given the way she treats her co-host?), I checked out the Anime TV site...usually I say this when referring to his more bishonen-minded Funi counterpart, but it needs saying: CURSE YOU, JOHNNY YONG BOSCH!
edited 5th Jan '10 2:46:21 PM by PikaHikariKT
Did anyone else feel that Kampfer abridged could have used/needed a soundtrack? Other than that I found it pretty good. Akane was the best of it, IMO.
Fear the Gothilolions! | Anime listDid anyone else feel that Kampfer abridged could have used/needed a soundtrack?
Is the OST even out yet? That's likely why...
Did a fandub of one of Patty Martin's songs only to realize I got the last part wrong. Sometimes I shouldn't trust AnimeLyrics.T_T
edited 5th Jan '10 4:45:55 PM by PikaHikariKT
I just meant some music/sound effects in general. I dunno, it felt kind of empty to me in some places.
Fear the Gothilolions! | Anime listHoly crap, I made up for my earlier song blunder. After failing to do Toumei Ribbon, I decided to give Lost My Music another shot...and pulled it off without messing up. YES!
I just watched the first episode of DieBuster. Holy fuck that was awesome! I loved all the Callbacks to GunBuster too. I seriously cheered when the march started playing...and it's been less than a month since I saw it. I can't imagine how nostalgic that must've been to people who saw it in the 80s.
edited 5th Jan '10 6:28:05 PM by Nyktos
I guess it is.
Pat. St. of Archive Binge
I just don't get "Abridged Series" humour. I couldn't laugh at the Yu Gi Oh one - I tried. It just isn't funny to hear one man imitating the cast in a variety of silly voices.
It should be three men,minimum.
edited 5th Jan '10 6:44:27 PM by AckSed
Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away.First episode of Clannad done. The Furukawa's are awesomeness incarnate. Rice cracker bread...
@Pika Hikari KT: Thanks for the concert!
I tried fandubbing before but it isn't my thing due to a shitty mike.
@CTS: In approximately eight episodes you will be in tears.
My FF.net account^The starfish and takoyaki bread crosses the line though.
On Kampfer Abridged, I like Akane's Heavy Weapons Girl's voice the most. Also, Little Kuriboh did Seppuku Kurousagi.
I don't like their OP though. They'd better change it.
My FF.net accountI tried fandubbing before but it isn't my thing due to a shitty mike.
Yeah, my mic is actually pretty good — a Dynex posable — the problem is finding a good distance so there isn't any feedback when I sing. After a few months of practice, I think I've gotten better to say the least.
And speaking of singing, browsing YT when a clip caught my eye. "Ikkicon...2010?! ...Curse you, Vic."

^^ Also, Rika Furude is awesomesauce.
My FF.net account