First Impressions / Snapshots

Mashiro-iro Symphony – 02

「きょぜつ色のクッキング」 (Kyozetsu-iro no Kukkingu)
“Rejection-Colored Cooking”

Two episodes later, I’m not so much impressed by Manglobe’s adaptation of Mashiro-iro Symphony as I am intrigued by how it has all the makings of just another high school romantic comedy, yet always seems to stop a step short of actually becoming one. It’s very odd I must say, because as soon as it looks like things are going to fall into an overused trope, the characters prevent that from happening.

First Impressions / Gundam AGE / Series Introduction

Gundam AGE – 01

「救世主ガンダム」 (Kyuuseisha Gandamu)
“The Savior, Gundam”

So what’s this about being disappointed with Gundam AGE before it even started airing? I get the feeling people were confusing character designs — a stylistic choice — with production quality, just because Sunrise has gone back to the franchise’s roots. Well, I personally love it, as it really feels like Gundam AGE has brought back Gundam’s “boyish charm”.

First Impressions / Last Exile -Ginyoku no Fam- / Series Introduction

Last Exile -Ginyoku no Fam- – 00

I don’t normally post about episode 0 specials, but seeing as this one featured a lot of impressive-looking footage and will likely go unsubbed, I figured I had to chime in about the series that marks GONZO’s big return. It never hurts when it features Toyosaki Aki, Yuuki Aoi, and Kayano Ai — the voices of the three heroines — plus the short version of Sakamoto Maaya’s “Buddy” music video.

First Impressions / Mawaru Penguindrum

Mawaru Penguindrum – 13

「僕と君の罪と罰」 (Boku to Kimi no Tsumi to Batsu)
“Our Crime and Punishment”

Hmm, it sounds like someone wants to try and fight against the Attractor Field in Mawaru Penguindrum. Evidently, Sanetoshi hasn’t seen the endless hell that Kyouma went through when he unknowingly tried to do the same. Someone should really tell him that the secret lies in fooling the world. *uses a deep badass voice* 「最初のお前を騙せ。世界を騙せ！」 (Saisho no omae wo damase. Sekai wo damase!)

First Impressions / Series Introduction / Snapshots

Maken-Ki! – 01

「天を契んだ日」 (Ten wo Kizanda Hi)
“The Day I Made My Mark in the Sky”

As per the promo video, Maken-Ki kicks the fan-service into high gear with its busty female cast and frivolous use of panty shots. While that was pretty much expected, it looks like I’ll have to retract my statement about the “goofy” character designs as they’re a lot better than I thought.