Topic: Anime & Manga (NO SPOILERS PLEASE)

Ghost Stories' could be a little too...overbearing at times, but when it was at its best, it was golden. Loved it. Actually, didn't Discotek re-release that dub recently? I'll have to check that out, it's been a while.

Also: I never saw those outtakes until now. My life is complete.

They changed the theme song for Akatsuki no Yona, which made me really sad today.
The old theme song was an instrumental adventure-y type song which really fit the show. But now it's like an auto tune song that reminds me of Inuyasha which doesn't fit the show at all. Sadddd.

I like the new OP because before it was a wonderful instrumental song with visuals that looked like they were from a completely different opening - one that probably had an upbeat j-pop song in the backround. In fact, I'm willing to bet they never intended for that song to be the opening theme in the first place, especially after the scenes now actually fit in the new opening (moving at the right beat and tempo, for instance). Granted, this is apparently Opening 3 and I never saw opening 2, but opening 1 was so jarring that I honestly thought someone had editted in their own song to the opening when I was linked to it on Youtube...

As someone who hasn't watched Madoka Magika, should I watch the show or the movies?

Watch the show first, and if you like it go watch PMMM: Rebellion. The other two movies are recaps.

Opening three? I've watched the whole show so far and there has only been two openings...?
Maybe I'm missing something here I dunno.

They changed the animation I guess? Or maybe Youtubers are idiots, I don't know. I never saw the show, only listened to the music online...

Oh my god, the ending to the first episode of the second season of Space Dandy is pure gold. It is, genuinely, one of the funniest things I've ever seen in an anime series. Props to whatever insane genius thought of that.

That was easily my favorite episode. It is amazing.

Since I'm just about done with season one, I might as well post this here, too:

Log Horizon - This is easily the best MMO-related anime I've ever seen, bar none. They just take the whole idea and run with it, full-throttle. They explain the game in great detail, while still taking great care to make sure they don't lose the audience. They focus on a large cast, showing how different people react, while still making sure we remember who the main characters are, and they're always doing something productive, even if it isn't always at the front lines. They show how the world has changed because of the events in the show, while slowly drip-feeding us info to help piece together what's really going on. The action is also well-animated and frequent enough without taking focus away from the narrative, and again, they make sure to explain whats going on without interrupting too much. I also love the soundtrack, it compliments the scenes without overtaking them, so to speak.

If I had one qualm, it would be that we hardly ever get to know much about who these characters were in the real world. You'd think that would come up more often, but we only got short glimpses of their past a couple times throughout the first season (not sure about the second season since I haven't see that one yet). And I mean "glimpses", since I'm counting stuff like "Crusty had a lazy sister" or "Akatsuki was a senior in High school". There's a lot that could be done in regards to who they were and how they may or may not have changed, but it seems they didn't want to focus on that.

I should also give special mention to the fact that it handled what could've been a really awkward love-triangle between Shiroe, Akatsuki, and the middle schooler surprisingly well. Akatsuki finally gives some signs that Shiroe might've actually picked up on (I guess...he still kinda had to debate whether or not Akatsuki's still doing her Servant/Master roleplay...as if that wasn't enough of a clue. Seriously, how thick are those glasses, Shiroe, because you're obviously blind!). Meanwhile the middle schooler, who before always seemed to just look up to Shiroe as a mentor, finally realized she liked him and ultimately had her feelings hurt, she had a nice heart-to-heart with her brother, who gave some good advice and they more or less sorted things out (at least for now?).

Other than that, it's quickly becoming another favorite of mine, and I'm glad I finally gave it a chance. Not gonna lie, I didn't expect much from it at first, and the first 4 or 5 episodes were kinda slow-going, but by episode 6, it was just firing on all cylinders. I loved it, and I can hardly wait to take on season 2, even if it does involve a different studio.

I'm so glad Durarara is back. I've been burned by...the entirety of Kyo-ani adaptations practically so it's really nice that a great series got to continue like this. I can't wait to see how every single character connects this time.

Oh man, I didn't even realize the Assasination Classroom anime started! I read the manga, and I have to say this adaptation seems great so far. Haven't finished the 1st episode yet, but the animation is really solid!

How's Beck's English dub (assuming it has one)? I'm gonna watch it soon enough dammit! I promise. This is the anime I'm in the mood for right now, I'm sure.

It's great, actually. I was very surprised. I think I liked it more than the Japanese, especially for the songs that were in English in the Japanese version.

That's great to hear! Guess I'll start it tomorrow.

Didn't realize 2nd season of DRRR was airing already. Looks like I have something to do for the next few months.

The first two movies are recaps of the show, and they actually recap very well. It's 4 hours of film vs 4 hours of TV episodes. The first movie is a little more rushed and the second is a little more padded out, but otherwise, the only major difference is the improved film production values. You can watch either and you won't lose anything.

Third movie is original though.

From what I read, it's only airing every other season. But it's gonna be longer than the first one in total, so that's awesome.

Toonami Saturday night!

DBZ Kai - Missed it.

Naruto Shippuden - Missed first half. I came to it in enough time to see them confronting Sasuke in that crater.

InuYasha: the Final Act - With Kikyo on the verge of death, Kagome finally needed to get over her inferiority complex in order at a chance to save her. We'll see next week if it is enough...

One Piece - The big fight(s) with CP9 are set to get underway!

Gurren Lagann - Our hero has been sentenced to death by the cold hearted Roseau, who looks set to grab full control over the government (he even put cuffs on the mole...), and Gurren Lagann looks set to be thrown in the trash heap. Somehow, I don't think this is the end for Simon though

Sucks that the block is losing ratings though (at least I think that's the reason for the block losing timeslots). The lineup is the best it's ever been since the revival, so I'm not sure what's with the slump.

It could be that very few people are up watching anime at 5 in the morning...

Perhaps the availability of anime on Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and Crunchyroll and more, have siphoned a large chunk of their viewers.