Series Introduction – Page 131

Guilty Crown – 01

By Divine October 14, 2011

「発生 genesis」 (Hassei)

If there's one thing that I was worried about coming into Production I.G's sci-fi post-apocalyptic original noitaminA series, it would be the inadvertent reader hype created by my own anticipation, both in the Fall 2011 Preview and the site's banners.

First Impressions Series Introduction UN-GO

UN-GO – 01

By Guardian Enzo October 13, 2011

「舞踏会の殺人」 (Butōkai no Satsujin)
"Murder at the Ball!"

Given the staff involved I have no doubt that this will be a competently produced and directed series. The key question is whether the story and characters will come alive in future episodes, and make the series engaging as well as competent.

First Impressions Mirai Nikki Series Introduction

Mirai Nikki – 01

By Guardian Enzo October 9, 2011

「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

By Divine October 9, 2011

「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

By Kiiragi October 9, 2011

「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

By Divine October 9, 2011

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

By Takaii October 8, 2011

「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 Persona 4 the ANIMATION Series Introduction

Persona 4 the ANIMATION – 01

By verdant October 7, 2011

「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.

Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai First Impressions Series Introduction

Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai – 01

By Takaii October 6, 2011

「僕達は友達が出来ない(´・ω・`)」 (Bokutachi wa Tomodachi ga Dekinai (´・ω・`))
"We Can't Make Friends"

I think I may have found my new favorite show for this season that isn't a sequel or prequel.

First Impressions Series Introduction Snapshots

Maken-Ki! – 01

By Divine October 6, 2011

「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.