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The single for Asura Cryin’ 2’s opening theme “Alternative” was released two days ago. Along with the limited edition version came the PV for the song you see above. While Asura Cryin’ isn’t a series being covered here, I have been following it since the first season’s debut back in spring. It’s never a series I get terribly excited about, but the story has taken an interesting turn with all the first world / second world stuff going on now. Originally, I was a bit overwhelmed with the number of characters and student councils introduced early on, and a bit underwhelmed with no clear indication of where the story was going, but the insanely diverse cast that stars the likes of Irino Miyu (Saji Crossroad in Gundam 00, Zwei in Phantom), Tomatsu Haruka, Tanaka Rie, and Nonaka Ai kept me watching. I’ll refrain from potentially spoiling anything from here on, but thought I’d share one of the many songs the Japanese pop band angela performs for the series.
Comprised primarily of atsuko and KATSU (angela is the group name and not the vocalist’s), the group was formed in 1993 and started as street performers before debuting in 1999. However, it wasn’t until 2002 that they had a breakthrough via anime, which allowed their musical careers to really get going. In my case, I didn’t know of the group’s existence until last year when I heard their songs in Shikabane Hime, but was quickly hooked on their upbeat OP/ED songs “Beautiful fighter” and “My story” there. As such, when I learned that they were performing the songs for Asura Cryin’, checking out the series was a given. That said, I still don’t like “Alternative” as much as the aforementioned songs, nor season one’s opening “Spiral”, but it does sound pretty good when the pace picks up.
As for the PV itself, KATSU’s visual-kei-like style and flamboyant behaviour are still kind of creepy to me, but they actually make him look younger than atsuko. I’m not a big fan of the blond wig atsuko’s wearing, but there are parts where she doesn’t have it on. In any case, I’m pretty indifferent to their appearance and more into their music, which is kind of special since they write, compose, and perform it themselves, being former music school students and all. Included below is the opening sequence for the series, which those of you who aren’t watching it may want to check out.
one word, weird
Cant wait for season 2
Season 2’s airing right now by the way. This is from it.
I am glad I stuck with this series from the start, it’s so good right now. Trying to get a friend to get past the first few episodes. He doesn’t believe me 🙁
*O* What a great song !! But Kanata no Delight is better xD
Asura cryin’ is not bad, especially since season 2 picked up a lot.
Ah, good to hear the full version. I’ve been looking forward to it since I first heard the OP.
I wasn’t too impressed by the first season, but the second season has been pretty nice so far.
Angela wrote quite some good songs, and the albums from their earlier times are hard to get though. Their latest album ‘Land Ho!’ have the full version of the 2nd and 3rd ED songs of Shikabane Hime series as well. I was especially drawn to their previous anime song from Jinki:Extend- “Mirai to Yuu na no Kotae”. I listen to that song the most at the time. Their songs can be found in torrent or Gendou, but if you are patient with the torrent version, its all worth it.
http://gendou.com/amusic/?filter=angela&page=1
I always envisioned atsuko as a middle-aged woman, what with her voice and all. Slightly disappointed…
I’ve taken a liking to angela ever since I heard their songs for Soukyuu no Fafner. “Peace of Mind” from the special for the series was pretty amazing.
I still don’t understand what is going on with Asura Cryin’ it makes my brain hurt trying to understand it.
Ok, I have been hearing a lot of mixed messages about this series. From what I read from this blog, as well as other blogs/reviewers/AniDB, is that Asura Cryin’ Season 01 is not worth watching and with the arrival of Season 02, people are kinda like 50/50 about the series.
Basically, I need help from you guys to decide if I should watch this series. What makes it worth watching or what makes this series that makes the viewer ‘stick with it to the end’? I hope to hear from you guys very soon =D
I first heard Angela back when the Stellvia Of The Universe anime came out in 2003 have been a fan ever since. Considering how popular it was when it first aired, it really makes me feel old that many anime fans today don’t even know the series.
Asura Cryin’ is certainly a weird series. Even now, I’m not sure if I like it or not, seems like my opinion changes every episode or two.
I’m in the same boat as bakaranger. Been a fan of angela since Stellvia, and likewise feel old.
KATSU is too awesome.
One of the best songs this season if you ask me, maybe only Railgun’s op can do better.
If someone’s interested, we’re doing Asura reviews xD
nice, plus i think its time i let eps 3-8 go on auto-play, nothing against the series “well..aside from the cheesy CGI” but there’s alot of other decent stuff out , havent had a chance.
i second dat monochrome!!
In reference to what Liberta said, yes, Asura is a series with an aquired taste.
Personally, I am enjoying the series, but I also acknoledge its problems at the same time, such as the inconsistanties of the animation quality and the main plot. However, laying under that is a solid story foundation (multiple universes) and interesting characters which very much pique my interest and keeps me coming back.
Expect a mixed bag if you intend to watch this series, whether or not you enjoy will depend on your tastes and whether or not you can get through it knowing that theres a lot which wont be explained until a lot later or may go with little explanation at all.
I’m glad this song is being broadcasted on here.
I love it, and I’m glad some other people can hear it for once.
Link (Asura Cryin’ ED) was awesome, and Spiral (OP) wasn’t bad. This one would be substantially better if it had significantly less words; you can probably figure out which part I’m referring to – it really annoys me.
I posted Link and Spiral on my blog when the series first aired, but the links I had have been DMCAed by now.
I’ve been a fan of ANGELA since their “big Break” with Ashita he no Brilliant road, The opening for Stellvia of the universe (awesome show!!) just like some of the other commentors,
But I will agree with Divine (for once) that their faster paced songs are much better than the slow ones, like separation, the ending song for Soukyuu no fafner.
But I prefer the ED for Season 2 over the OP. Spiral is better than both tho.
As for Asura Cryin’ I loved the first season, but the second is taking a little too long to get going properly. I fear that the ending is going to be rushed…
Some other recent stuff I’d recommend off the top of my head (I didn’t think to make a list when I wrote the last post):
Chouhatsu Cherry Heart (Nogizaka 2 OP)
Don’t Say Lazy (K-ON ED)
Fairy Tale (Kara no Kyoukai 6 ED)
Kata Tsubasa no Tori (Umineko no Naku Koro ni OP)
Kimi no Shiranai Monogatari (Bakemonogatari ED)
Kimi Shinitamou Koto Nakare (Shangri-la OP)
La Divina Tragedia (Umineko no Naku Koro ni ED)
Made in Wonder (Yoku Wakaru Gendai Mahou ED)
Maze (Pandora Hearts ED)
Parallel Hearts (Pandora Hearts OP)
gundamjehutykai:
I wasn’t aware the things I say are so disagreeable. I’m curious. Care to point out why that is?
Asura Cryin is an awesome series at least for me, especially season two and these last few episode plot wise was epic, go to crunchyroll.com and see some of the comments from these last two episode, not a single negative responds. For those that confuse about the storyline check out wikipedia and it explain alot about who is who and whats going on, even for me at first if I didn’t read about the info, I was totally confuse about the plot too. But after doing some research and understand whats going on, I was able to enjoy the storyline so much more.
Plus the novel is already up to volume 12, so u can bet the storyline got to be good for it to continue that many volume.
@divine: It’s just a personal thing. Kinda like how people read diferent news sites for differing reasons.
I’m not saying what you say is wrong, I just prefer different stuff to you so it’s not often that I read stuff and find myself thinking that you’re exactly right.
I prefer Omni’s style and tastes. They seem to match mine more closely.
gundamjehutykai:
I don’t quite follow if it’s a matter of tastes, since mine basically encompasses Omni’s. (Anime-wise at least.) I’m usually watching most if not all the shows he’s blogging, which is why I can easily cover for him when he’s too busy.
Style I can see, since Omni goes for a more surface-level approach to his write-ups that covers most of the bases, whereas I try to take a more humorous spin on things and will make one small train of thought into a full blown discussion. He claims his plot-centric style is why he can’t write about comedies well, hence why I’m usually left to cover them. However, that still doesn’t completely tie in with what we actually say, just how we say it.
Are you sure you aren’t just biased towards me? Perhaps something about not being a very good writer? =P
Divine
I just don’t particularly think that blog posts which try to encompass both plot and “humerous” takes on things without any distinction between the 2 are the best way to comunicate with the reader. I personally find it almost impossible to understand what’s going on in some of your blog posts. Is it a plot summary with personal thoughts or a complete personal commentary on the ep?
I’m also in the camp that thinks that the style of the writing is very much who the writer is. At the end of the day, even if what you say is the same as the next person, how you say it (or don’t) distinguishes you from the rest. Which is where that last comment came on. I admit that it was probably not the most elegant way of putting it so if there was any offence, I apologise. I don’t have any bias against you personally, just the writing style which tries to mix in a serious summary with too much commentary but ends up being unable to do either. If it was pure satire or just your thoughts on parts of the show, then perhaps I would be able to understand what you are trying to say more clearly.
I do remember that your earlier posts kept your synopsis and comments more distinct while keeping a certain “eccentricity” which has become your staple before you came to your current style. While I didn’t find them as informative Omni’s posts, I did enjoy reading them, far more so than your more recent ones.
I hope that clears things up a little.
gundamjehutykai:
While I’m not against constructive criticism, if you have indeed read my old posts, you’ll probably realize that the style hasn’t changed very much aside from a clear summary section. The only real difference is the opening hook paragraph. Also, the “core” section of all the posts here are impressions. Whether you want to call those “personal thoughts”, “personal commentary”, or “personal opinion”, they’re all pretty much the same thing. I gather most people come here for some thoughts and opinions to see if they feel the same way, or for an early preview of an episode while waiting for subs, but rarely for a dissertation on a plot they can watch and understand themselves. (Anyone: feel free to correct me if I’m wrong here.)
My reason for abandoning a dedicated summary is because I assume people who want to read thoughts about an episode are going to watch the episodes themselves at some point. Personally, I fail to see the purpose of being an episode summary blog first and foremost, as that’s more of a translation service than a personalized blog. Regardless, I still summarize more often than not, but only to a degree that’s sufficient enough for a reader who won’t be watching the episode themselves to still have an idea of what I’m talking about (in conjunction with the screencaps of course).
Both Omni and I weren’t very pleased with some of the lengthier summaries we wrote in the past, like his original DtB ones and my Nabari no Ou ones, and I’m often left wondering exactly what percentage of readers bothered with those walls of text. I can’t imagine it being many outside of those who watch raws as well but don’t really understand them. (In the case of Nabari, it actually was done as a service to our readers since all sub groups had dropped the series at the time.) In terms of reading one another’s posts, Omni rarely reads mine because he doesn’t follow the series he leaves me to cover, whereas I only read his impressions since I watch all his shows myself. It’s the only part I really care to read, hence why I emphasize that section in my own write-ups.
Now if you’re still having difficulty following one of my posts, I can put distinct headers for “summary” and “impressions” for you, but I figured the transition sentences are sufficient for most people. At the very least, I can add visual spacer queues like I have in some of my previous posts to help those in the same shoes as you. But again, I don’t see how this affects whether you agree or disagree with what I actually say. You made it sound like you’re opposed to everything I say with your “for once” line above. I don’t expect everyone to always agree with me, but I’m a bit surprised when someone says they almost never do.
Everyone else:
If anyone’s having a hard time reading/following my posts as of late, please let me know. I’ll see what I can do about it. Also, if you find that things are fine the way they are, that feedback would be much appreciated as well. I’m all for trying something different, provided that it doesn’t require a terribly lot more work!
You are doing just fine Divine : ) Keep up the good work ^_^
Quick question tho, Do I have to watch Season 01 of Asura Cryin’ to understand Season 02?
Just wanna make sure b/c there have been a lot of mixed messages about that series : )
Liberta:
Thanks for the feedback.
As for Asura Cryin’, yes you have to watch season one first, because season two is a direct continuation of where it leaves off. They don’t spend any time reintroducing characters since there’s no real break in the series, just in broadcasting. In fact, episode 1 of season two is considered episode 14. Hope this helps!
Yes indeed, thanks : )
Hmm last comment end of Nov… hope this isn’t considered mining! ANYWAY…
Divine, first… You are doing great! Not just great… F’n awesome okay?! Don’t doubt it, just believe it and keep on blogging!
Yes you and Omni have way different writing styles and, personally, I tend to enjoy yours a tiny bit more.. of course I enjoy Omni’s as well, so no haters! 😀
Everyone is entitled to their opinion and if they are a major litarary/grammar junkie, then I can completely see gundamj’s opinion. But seriously… this is a blog. We are here because we WANT… no no.. NEED your and Omni’s opinion! LOL not to break down your posts into sections and question if they are quantifiable or even understandable.
If you or anyone else wishes to call me names or put me down because I am here to enjoy the SERVICE that Divine and Omni and others… what happened to the foot guy?… then so be it.
Personally I am well read, but of course there are always people who are smarter or even more well read. For what it’s worth, Divine, I like the newer format, because it gets to the meat of the episode, as I generally watch my weekly anime crack, then come to random to see if my opinion coincides with you bloggers. If not, it sometimes makes me rewatch something (not so much these days as the 1 year old takes up most of my time) but when we do have similar opinions. I don’t know… I get a strange sense of validation.
I will say this… and this is no disrespect to the others… I tend to laugh more at your new format. End…. Finally… I know… 😀