First Impressions / Shakugan no Shana

Shakugan no Shana III (Final) – 13

「狭間へと、狭間から」 (Hazamaeto, Hazamakara)
“To the Rift, From the Rift”

After a week long hiatus, Shana returns with an episode that starts the new season off right. A little bit of action, a little bit of story, and a whole lot of Shana x Yuuji action! However, I can see a few key points that might make you manga readers rip your hair out.

First Impressions / Mouretsu Pirates / Series Introduction

Mouretsu Pirates – 01

「海賊、罷り通る」 (Kaizoku, Makaritooru)
“Pirates, Coming Through”

There were no real surprises from the premiere of “Bodacious Space Pirates”, but the slightly slower pace indicative of a 26-episode adaptation worked well in establishing the galactic setting and slowly introducing the massive cast of characters.

First Impressions / High School DxD / Series Introduction

High School DxD – 01

「彼女、できました！」 (Kanojo, Dekimashita!)
“I Got A Girlfriend”

A school that has changed from an all-girls school to a co-ed one. Gasp! I have never heard of such a thing before. Other than twice last season…and 15,532 times before that. And I’m alright with this!

Warning: thar be nudity in this here post! If you’re offended by the soft nibbly bits, I suggest you steer clear. If, however, you like a little melon with your sundae, read on. This is the show for you.

First Impressions / Senki Zesshou Symphogear / Series Introduction

Senki Zesshou Symphogear – 01

「覚醒の鼓動」 (Kakusei no Kodou)
“Awakening Beat”

It’s too early to call Elements Garden’s original “music” anime a surprise hit, but this impressive first showing already has me thinking it will be. With highly successful pop star Mizuki Nana pairing up with former TWO-MIX vocalist Takayama Minami as the “Zwei Wing” vocal unit, this premiere delivered both a high-tension live performance and fast-paced action.

Amagami SS / First Impressions / Series Introduction

Amagami SS+ plus – 01

「絢辻詞 前編 ユウワク」 (Ayatsuji Tsukasa Zenpen – Yuuwaku)
“Ayatsuji Tsukasa, First Chapter – Temptation”

Amagami SS is back and just as enjoyable as ever. I may be a bit biased when it comes to the sequel to my favorite romance of 2010, but I really couldn’t wipe the smirk off my face while watching this premiere.

First Impressions / Guilty Crown

Guilty Crown – Special

「軌跡 reassortment」 (Kiseki)

For a one-hour recap special that added absolutely nothing new — not even from the small amounts of narration — this felt like a pilot episode more than anything else. Viewing it as such, I dare say it was a pretty darn good one too because it cut out all the irksome developments and simply focused on all the stuff that makes Guilty Crown good.