Posted by | Legend: | 2 | Takaii | 1 | Guardian Enzo | 1 | Stilts | 0 | Cherrie | 1 | Zephyr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Passerby | 4 | Pancakes | 2 | Zaiden | 2 | Choya | Not covering |
Now that every show has had a few episodes to make its case—and I’ve had a few extra days to completely forget I was supposed to make this post, whoopsie!—it’s time to tell you what we’ll be blogging this season. This is Random Curiosity’s Spring 2017 blogging schedule.
As always, this is a tentative overview of our plans for the new season . . . is what we used to say, but with multiple episodes under our belts, we’re pretty confident in our picks. Will some of them blow up in our faces? Probably. (Looking at you, Seiren.) But this is what we’re going with.
In staff news, this is the first official Samuless season, and the first Choyacked Zaidenfull of the newbies one! (I don’t feel good about that.) Zephy is also stepping back in to blog Shingeki no Kyojin, because peer pressure works. Sorry Zephy, you’re the titan guy. Live with it. As for Cherrie, while she’s ostensibly at zero shows—because peer pressure doesn’t always work, and because she’s a slacker! *throw twigs*—she’s actually doing her usual thing of helping out behind the scenes, and is also prepping a very special post for sometime this season. Or so I’m told. Maybe. Depends on how things go. *waggles fingers mysteriously*
In show news, the only carry-over was Little Witch Academia, which Choya took ownership of because sometimes, your application is so good that we fire the guy who was blogging that show beforehand. (Just kidding, Pa-kun was happy to step aside since the newbie’s enthusiasm was so clear.) There’s also at least one other show that might get coverage, but the writer in question is trying to decide whether his or her RL responsibilities will allow it. I, of course, am egging them on mercilessly, because I’m a bad person. But a bad person in your service, of more shows blogged! You’re welcome.
That’s all the time (and relative sobriety) I’ve got for now. Thank you for your patience, thank you for reading, and as always, let’s have another fun season of anime together. Plus Ultra!
Updates:
- 04/27: With great love in his heart, and great masochism in his soul, Pancakes is going the extra mile and blogging Clockwork Planet!
What? No Alice to Zouroku or Shingeki no Bahamut?
For shame!
Surprised to see Alice to Zouroku, DanMachi Sword Oratorio, and Shingeki no Bahamut not getting covered considering they’re 3 of the bigger shows of this season.
Initial Response
Each writer sees something special in the shows they are covering, whether the potential is realised or not. Here are the reasons why I opted for my current choices over Sword Oratoria, considering that I could only cover two shows this season.
1.Tsuki ga Kirei uniquely portrays two adolescents experiencing first love in a down to earth and realistic way. In my introductory post, I made it no secret that coming of age was my favourite fictional genre.
2. Boruto: Naruto Next Generations also belongs to the coming of age genre, but outlines the struggles of a new generation adapting to drastically shifting times. That is to say while Boruto goes to Ninja Academy with his fellow kids, we get the subtext of Konoha’s transition from a militaristic nation into a peacetime economy focusing on industrialisation, manufacturing and trade. Not to mention the younger generation struggling to live up to the older generation, while distinguishing themselves from their parents and teachers. It’s like they know people are calling them carbon copies of their parents, so they’re setting out to try and prove us wrong.
Why I won’t be covering Sword Oratoria
I feel JC Staff made a couple of decisions that drastically decreased any potential quality. For example, I’ve made it quite clear to people who are following my posts here and here that I have been deeply dissatisfied with how JC Staff have opted to make Lefiya a surrogate lens for exploring Ais’ character.
In essence, Lefiya is currently the main character of Sword Oratoria. This hasn’t worked really well because Lefiya’s portrayal is akin to Shinji Ikari, only lacking in any of the nuance that was present in Evangelion. She is a nice human being but not particularly enjoyable to see as the main character holding most of the spotlight. The original source material had Lefiya whinge less, be more competent and play her role as the secondary character who helps to drive Ais’ character development.
Instead, Ais is practically not the focus let alone the main character in her own show. We don’t even get to hear her thoughts and feelings, which are so important for fleshing out her character and highlighting her true motivation in her quest to becoming stronger. These successful elements from the light novel are not reproduced in JC Staff’s anime adaption, which I have found to be a cause for great concern.
Concluding Thoughts
As one of the newest writers on the block, I felt I owed some sort of explanation to you readers regarding my personal thoughts and feelings on this controversial matter and the reasons behind my Spring 2017 coverage selection. You guys are the fans and keep this site alive and going. For that, us writers will always be grateful
Anyway, I apologise if my decision not to cover Sword Oratoria has disappointed a lot of people, but I hope people will respect and accept my choice. However, I will ardently stand by my decision, because Tsuki ga Kirei and Boruto were the two shows I enjoyed the most out of all the series I wrote an introductory post for.
You really have nothing to apologize for Zaiden. Some of us understand the staff here devote their time to cover certain shows and respect their decision to cover whatever they want to cover. At the end of the day, I’m not in the least bit offend if a show I like isn’t covered by anyone. It’s not the end of the world.
Half+1 of those I picked are uncovered.
It saddened me a bit.
Rechecked & found out that 2 more shows are now covered.
Let’s see if Cherrie’s going to cover another one or two.
Speaking of animes picked up, I’m looking for another show or two to watch for the season. What’re thoughts for those who’ve watched these?
– Shuumatsu Nani Shitemasu ka? Isogashii desu ka? Sukutte Moratte Ii desu ka?
– Zero kara Hajimeru Mahou no Sho
– Alice to Zouroku
– Tsugumomo
– Sin: Nanatsu no Taizai ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
Any recommendations? Reasons why you’re enjoying it? Would really help. Thanks!!
Of those I’m only watching Alice to Zouroku and so I’d definitely recommend it.It manages to blend light with darkness in a way that just fits together naturally without either portion coming off as forced. The main draw for me though is seeing the relationship between the leads grow from that of strangers to something akin to a grandfather and his granddaughter.
We’ve done posts on all of those, and more than one on many. I suggest reading them!
And you know what to expect with sin Nanatsu no Taizai. If not, just look at the screencaps. That’s enough 😛
I’ve read the posts but I’m still having trouble deciding so I’m looking for other’s opinions who’ve watched these. I was leaning towards Sukasuka and/or Zero kara after reading the posts. Still unsure tho.
Alice tho seems okay-ish after reading epi 1 post but it seems like a lot here enjoy watching it. Strangers into family, bonding with sweet moments, and supernatural action sprinkled on top?
Tsugumomo from the posts seems like a decent action ecchi comedy, but from what I’ve read here and elsewhere, most were saying to just read the manga, that the show doesn’t do it justice.
sin Nanatsu I’m assuming is simply another pure fanservice ecchi like Queen’s Blade that I never bothered watching. Although I did watch and enjoy High School DxD, Shinmai Maou no Testament, and such. Has Stilts given this his ecchi seal of approval?!!
sin Nanatsu was aight. First episode was all PLOT, little interesting plot. I’ve seen better, but it could have improved in the following episodes. I dunno, I’m turbo behind on everything already Orz
“I’m a bad person. But a bad person in your service, of more shows blogged! You’re welcome.”
Seems like someone feels guilty that dropped Bahamut and is covering only one show so he tries to redeem himself. But what would I know… ;p
Nope! Guilt is for other people, who feel such silly emotions. I was just drinking a fine pilsner and on a roll.
Alice to Zouroku ….
Well, watching all the shows you guys are covering except Boruto and the Toei show, not bad XD. Tho I’m watching 17 shows, so there was no way they would all be covered lol.
Just need a food show to come along for Cherrie-sensei to start writing again!
Awwww thanks! I wish there would be more food anime too <3
I’m still here though >_> In the background somewhere. I’m capping SnK2 this season and sitting in whenever Zephyr doesn’t have time. Maybe I’ll do some guest posts for Alice and Fukumenkei Noise whenever I see fit =)
Nice, looking forward to them!
I’m glad all of my shows are covered. Thank you Pancakes (Zeroshou), Takaii (Sukasuka), Choya (Sakura Quest), and Zephyr (Shingeki no Kyojin).
Will you do final impressions of the shows you don’t cover weekly?
(Would like to see ones for Oratoria, Royal Tutor, Akashic and Granblue.)
I’m covering Sword Oratoria until Episode 3. Not sure if people are watching it, but Sword Oratoria hasn’t really been impressive compared to the source material. I do feel bad for bailing out on it though it can’t be helped that I can only cover two shows for my first season, and I just find Tsuki ga Kirei and Boruto more interesting.
It’s more than likely that I will do some final impressions, considering I should have ample time once my exams are finished. But it’s a bit too early to making promises at this point so we shall wait and see.
Final impressions are always a possibility, but we don’t divvy those out until much closer to the fact. So yes, but couldn’t tell you which ones!
I am rather surprised that alice to zouroku isnt getting covered.
Special mentions: Clockwork Planet, Fukumenkei Noise and Roku de Nashi something anime.
Hinako Note is another but its understandabke that its a slice of life anime there’s not much plot to look into. As to Sagrada Reset, plot build up is too slow that 3 episode wont work anymore. Nevertheless, one of this uncovered anime I stated, could become a hidden gem of the season.
There’s a distinct lack of orange in this schedule…
Okay, in a perfect world, Alice & Zouroku, Rage of Bahamut Virgin Soul (this is for shame, really!), and Atom: the Beginning should’ve been covered. They are the more popular titles right there, and don’t tell me about the lack of manpower. I know blogging shows that writers want to write is the first priority, but other sites like rabujoj (https://rabujoi.wordpress.com/) only have 4 writers and they’re blogging 17 shows this season. I don’t expect you blogging that much shows, but at least cover shows that worth covering. As one of the most popular anime blog that attracts one of the highest number of anime readers right now, I’d expect you do a better job of coverage, guys.
I’m slightly a bit let down by the schedule, that’s all. I always believe covering 3 shows per season is a standard for anime bloggers, and only Pancakes takes that cake this season.
Don’t mean much as a criticism but more as a personal opinion. I hope RandomC can sort out the best way to deal with this “issue”. Although I prefer “quality” writing over “quantity”, when you’re THE MOST popular anime blog right now I would expect a little more from you guys, right?
No, that’s a criticism. And you’re welcome to it, but waggling a finger isn’t liable to change our behavior. We ain’t paid, we do this for fun, most of us have full time jobs (and then some, in some cases *raises hand*), and the extra work we do for those 36+ images that people like so much nearly DOUBLES the time it takes to produce a post. (And yes, we’ve tried going without them before, but readers hated that even more than less coverage, so.) We also restrict new writers to only two shows their first season, even though both Zai-chan and Chocho were game for more, because we KNOW it takes a lot more time than expected—something true both of them and of readers like you. We only want writers taking up more shows when they know what’s involved.
Hope that gives you a little insight. Cheers!
Bleh.
Personally, I always find that the images get in the way. (They’re part of why I almost never have any idea of the author of any given post, because it’s so much extra effort to go find the byline once you’re a couple pages down into the post itself, and there’s no closing byline.) I can see maybe a dozen being put up there, but three dozen seems excessive. It’s especially annoying when the screenshots use up more blog space than the actual text of the blog. It’s like, I came here for thoughtful coverage of the episode, and I get three paragraphs of fluff and an image wall.
On the other hand, the links to images throughout a post are always nice to work through, because there’s context for them. Of course, those images have to have been captured and uploaded as well, so it’s not like it would be a lot less work.
Do you save screenshots as you’re watching the show? Or do you go back afterwards and find scenes to match up with the blog post? The former should lead to a trivial amount of work (one key screengrab, batch image tweaking), but I can see the latter being a nuisance and a significant amount of extra time.
We do the former, but it doesn’t lessen the work by much. You’d think it’s just a split second, but we never know what scenes we’re going to want to include until after we’re done, so most of us take more caps than we need as we watch. Then we have to winnow them down. For instance, I regularly end an episode with 200+ screencaps, and I’ll admit—I’m by and far the worst capper on staff. But even for the others, it takes time to take all the caps, and then it takes time to winnow them down, and then it takes time to process them and format them and upload them and insert them into the post.
Your misunderstanding is exactly why we limit new writers to only two shows on their first season. It doesn’t seem like it should be a lot of extra work, but it is. And less caps does not = less work—that just means more time winnowing them down. Unless we go down to 6 or fewer caps (like I did with each episode of my Kyoukaisen season 1 retrospectives), it’s all the same time. Which, as noted, readers haven’t liked in the past.
Oh the other end of the spectrum – I don’t think taking caps is that time consuming at all because I often try and limit the one I do take and therefore, I sift through less when I have to limit it to 36. That’s why I often help people take caps; watching the anime and picking the images, then setting up the post are easy for me. Writing is what takes more time and thinking about what I want to say, while still adding value or engaging readers is harder. It’s especially hard for me after blogging for so long when I feel like I’ve run out of things to say because everything just ends up sounding repetitive.
I really encourage people to try it before assuming that something is easier than it is. It’s a simple concept to blog but to be consistent while maintaining a behemoth of a site is more difficult than you’d think. We may not blog 3+ shows each and I hate to sound like a broken record, but as Stilts always says, we aren’t paid. We have full-time jobs (which some of us work REALLY long hours for, myself and Stilts included) so to even find time for a hobby like RC, should be a blessing and I don’t want to turn it into a chore or else I’ll just end up avoiding it over time =X The site and readers deserve better than that.
Further to Stilts’ comments, capping is different for all of us. I run about ~75-100 caps per episode, and then spend a few minutes weaning it down. A lot of us also cap while watching, but I typically watch the episode twice and cap during the second viewing–makes it easier for me to focus on the episode’s events.
While we probably could winnow image counts down further, a lot of time you don’t know what images you’ll need until the writing is done. It’s just easier IMO taking a designated number and producing that every time, especially when capping while watching. Keeps things simple.
I was hoping that Fukumenkei Noise would be covered, but apparently not. Oh well. Maybe there’ll be a final impressions post or something for it?
Always a possibility! Though we plan those later in the season, so couldn’t tell you whether or not it’ll get one right now.
We’ll see if I can find some time to do a few posts here and there whenever something exciting comes along <3 I’m a huge Yuzu fan so maybe when some development happens there 😉
Akashic Records, Sword Oratoria, and Granblue are what I’m watching that won’t be covered, but I wasn’t expecting any of them to be in the first place. I’m really enjoying the spring season this year, so I’m looking forward to the review posts and comments to come.
Super surprised EROMANGA SENSEI is being covered over shows like Bahamut and Akashic Records.
I guess it’s because there is surprisingly a market for badly-written, creepy ‘fucking your sister’ self-insert fantasies, so it’ll bring traffic, even if it’s on the low end of actual quality shows being covered this season.
The situation with Bahamut and Akashic Records is unfortunate, especially since I have enjoyed watching them this season. But as a person who went from longtime fan to writer for RandomC, I feel obligated to weigh in on my thoughts here.
I also used to be quietly disappointed when the shows I followed weren’t receiving coverage. However, I think you keep an open mind, you may be pleasantly surprised. My initial disappointment would often be entirely reversed, as I would pick up these covered shows and end up enjoying them greatly.
Despite being put off by the idea of Eromanga Sensei at first, it’s actually incredibly fun, and gives useful insights regarding how the LN industry works. It also has many likeable characters who are well-developed compared to Oreimo. The protagonist Masamune Izumi’s motivations are certainly well fleshed out in his human capacity, and maybe he does have creepy ‘fucking your sister’ self-insert fantasies but in my opinion it’s disingenuous to call him badly written. He has strongly redeeming traits that are noticeable if you choose not to ignore them, and I think that Takaii also recognises that.
I was talking about the author, actually.
Oreimo was a creepy, badly-written show. This is completely highlighted by the fact that the choldhood friend who straight up tells Kirino and what’s-his-face the truth is made to be a villain by not just the characters, which makes sense, but the NARRATIVE, which is utterly mind-boggling. And given how the series ended, eye-opening.
Eromanga sensei has shown me nothing to dissuade me from the fact that the author hasn’t lost that creepy obsession of his, just circumvents it by making them not actually blood related so it’s less frowned upon mainstream. It’s the same incest train.
There are two types of shows that give anime fans a bad name.
Those that are “weird-as-hell and cringy” and makes people be like “lol you watch anime? loser.”
And those like Oreimo which I won’t get into the details of for spoiler reason that make people go, “You watch this disgusting stuff? What the fuck is wrong with you?” Shows like a certain bunny show and a certain adoption show that make people back up and disassociate themselves from it when they come to the realization that it did actually go there.
Time will tell whether Eromanga sensei falls into the latter, but so far, it certainly looks like it.
As far as disappointment goes, I’m not. I don’t watch Bahamut, and I wasn’t following Akashic Record’s coverage on RandomC. I track RandomC’s coverage of shows that are unique of premise like “Eccentric Family,” and I like Takaii quite a bit so this isn’t an insult towards them either.
It just surprised me Eromanga Sensei was chosen given the author’s track record.
@actual quality shows
I’m not a fan of either show, but that really is a matter of opinion. Just because something is popular, doesn’t make it a good show. Just because you believe something to be great, doesn’t mean that everyone else will.
You could look at it another way. Maybe some staff don’t want to cover shows that are popular, just for the sake of being popular. Some people aren’t sheep who follow the trends.
Akashic Records was a show I was covering. Rookies are supposed to just cover two shows, so I wanted to make sure that the two I covered were both shows people want to follow and shows that I enjoy. LWA and Sakura Quest fit the bill for the both of those.
Akashic was easier to let go because it didn’t appeal to me as I got further into it, and it’s not fun for people who like a show to come here and see the guy writing on it pick it apart weekly. Renai was much harder to let go because I found that one to be funny, but I feel that the two shows I decided to stick with will be promising. I am aware that Akashic was the more popular of the shows I’ve been posting on and regret to have let people who were following it down, but many of us are trying to tackle on as many shows as we can, and I wouldn’t want LWA or Sakura Quest to slip away if I followed a different series.
Too bad 🙂 … but understandable, if there’s a “2 shows max for a rookie” rule. C’est la vie.
Though I am positive that Akashic will end as one of the best shows of the season.
What would happen if a new staff member covered three shows? Like, if you wanted to row row fight the power?
They wouldn’t be a staff member for long? But we don’t recruit people who’re dickish enough to ignore a well-considered rule, so hasn’t been an issue.
Oh ok. While you’re here, who is considered the boss on here other than the site owner? Or do the staff generally share responsibility for keeping things running smoothly?
Div is the ultimate boss, I do most of the yelling, and Cherrie does most of the scolding. Hardly any of that is needed, though. Everyone pretty much takes care of their shiz, it’s awesome 😀
Sounds good, thankyou Stilts for explaining.
I chase people down with bamboo sticks when they do something wrong ._.
Thats a nice selection of shows you are covering this season – I have most of them on my list too. But yes, I’m also with the “Alice to Zouroku is missing” fraction. 😉
I’m really enjoying Bahamut and Akashic Records right now. Kinda sad.
Just want to add that Enzo is covering Bahamut (plus several other shows) in his own blog, so you might want to check his site if you’re looking for one. You need to search somewhere else for Alice though, especially since it’s not that popular so far in aniblogverse.
That said, all of my watchlist get covered so personally I don’t have a problem at all with this lineup. Just make sure to write a final impression for great shows that ended up doing very great in your mind.
Surprised Sagrada Reset isn’t being covered. While first episode was a bit slow, the second was way better, and the third has my curiosity highly piqued. It’s like Hyouka but with superpowers. That’s a winner in my book.
Huh, was Zero added later on? I could swear that the entry was all white earlier on.
Anways, glad to see that it has been picked up as it gives me that Spice and wolf vibe.
A bit disappointed that Akashic Records couldn’t make it as I find the main chara interesting/funny enough.
As for the Danmachi spinoff, watch this show picking up immensely resulting in a final impressions post where the authors tells us how wrong he was. 😀 (To be serious, I’m as disappointed as Zaiden from what we have seen so far, but will continue watching as well)
Hell, it’s happened before.
Shame to see Oratoria not getting full coverage. The three episode rule really limits people’s enjoyment to series that either start off quickly or fulfill certain niches, as any series that gradually builds into its plot doesn’t get the time to do so. Hopefully someone picks it back up when the actual plot kicks into gear, because it gets really good…
There’s a three episode rule? Good or bad I always finish a show I start.
Yes!! All the shows I’m watching are covered!
Not Roku de Nashi Majutsu Koushi to Akashic Records or Danmachi Gaiden makes me sad, but overall great blogging choices
No! Just as when I decided to pick up Alice to Zouroku…!!
Yeah guys, we need more bloggers. RC doesn’t have enough of them lol
Why is Quan Zhi Gao Shou (The King’s Avatar) not even listed here? Is it not considered anime because it was made by a Chinese studio?
If so, that is a real shame because it appears to be one of the best shows this season, and all the more fascinating to cover since it is made in China. Also, based on the quality of this show, China will be making increasingly significant inroads on the anime industry in the future.
No worries. It completely flew under my radar until my friend introduced me to it, and even then Chinese studio + esports sounded like a combination that was too cheesy. Nevertheless, I somehow ended up following Quan Zhi Gao Shou, and am definitely enjoying it so far! Maybe I’ll do a writeup at the end of the season.
I can’t remember when I saw it, but I was surprised to see a member from Gravity Tales occasionally commenting on RandomC. I’ve used to read their stuff a lot back in the days.