First Impressions / Mirai Nikki / Series Introduction

Mirai Nikki – 01

「サインアップ」 (Sain Appu)
“Sign Up”

Whatever else happens, let me make it perfectly clear that I’m not impartial when it comes to Mirai Nikki. The manga is one of the scariest, funniest, juiciest and more ruthless you’ll find in mainstream manga and I absolutely love it. So with that said, Asread has a pretty tough job on their hands to meet expectations.

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”.

Ben-To / First Impressions / Series Introduction

Ben-To – 01

「ネバれ、納豆オクラ丼ぶっかけチーズトッピング弁当 440kcal」 (Nebare, Nattō Okura Don Bukkake Chīzu Toppingu Bentō 440 kcal)
“Sticky, Natto Okra Rice Bowl with Cheese Topping Bento 440kcal”

So think Dragon Ball Tournaments, but held in a supermarket, where the prize is a half-off bento. Now you’ve got the gist of this aptly named anime, “Ben-to.“

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 / Series Introduction / Shakugan no Shana

Shakugan no Shana III (Final) – 01

「失われた存在」 (Ushinawareta Sonzai)
“Lost Existence”

After re-watching season one and blasting through season two like it was nothing, I was extremely excited that I didn’t have to wait years to witness the beginning of the conclusion to this awesome series. Holding my breath as I clicked play, I was blown away with how spectacular everything looked.

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 / Persona 4 the ANIMATION / Series Introduction

Persona 4 the ANIMATION – 01

「You’re myself, I’m yourself」

If you had any doubts that the anime adaptation of Persona 4 would stay faithful to its source, rest assured because for better or for worse, it looks like this show has the potential to be one of the more faithful video game adaptations — at least judging from this first episode.