Fall 2013 – the first fourth
October 21, 2013
Just one example of the fine illustration of hands in Kyoto Animations newest: Kyoukai no Kanata
Hello everybody. I have been taking a break from blogging, but not from anime! In the past I used to try to write a post for every interesting series upon having seen the first three episodes as a “taste test”. The last of the “first three” have just aired, or are about to do so.
Having seen the first three episodes of many shows this season, I conclude that the one I enjoy seeing the most one quarter of the way into Fall 2013 is Kyoukai no Kanata, a series about a meganeko blood mage, and the boy who loves her.
Kyoto Animation has done their usual spectacular job of animating the series — everything looks great, and this time there are actual fantasy action scenes (sword fights, yeah!) that get the KyoAni treatment, but they also throw in some amazing animations of small things, such as Ayaka’s hands while she was tracing out the occult circle. Remarks from around the blogosphere are mostly positive, including surprise that we already are pulling out a serious battle this early.
Other shows that I have enjoyed so far include:
- Kyousougiga — This show is great fun, and I really like the way the mythology is mixed with almost a Sci-Fi feel.
- Log Horizon — This show is holding up better than I thought it would. The story is starting to develop, and I think they are managing to build up tension without using the same — you die if you lose trope that has been used plenty already.
- Yowamushi Pedal — so far this one looks better than Ace of Diamond, the other sports-themed anime this season, but I often lose interest in these shounen sports shows, which have a tendency to go on far too long.
- Yozakura Quartet Hana no Uta — I went into this without having seen previous entries and find it pretty entertaining so far.
- Golden Time — I wouldn’t say this is one of the better shows I am watching, but the third episode certainly went in an unexpected direction.
I hope the rest of you are enjoying the Autumn as much as I am!
Abandoned Factory Anime Review 
October 21, 2013 at 8:00 pm
Yay, you updated!
Kyousougiga is definitly my favourite so far, did you watch the ONAs as well?
October 21, 2013 at 8:08 pm
Heh, heh. I couldn’t leave it alone forever. Thanks for sticking with me.
I watched some of the them, but not all. It was very beautiful, but made no sense to me. Still was interesting enough to have me excited to see this version, and I’m glad I have a chance to watch it now.
I’m serious about building a robot to help me write the blog, BTW.
November 24, 2013 at 8:11 pm
That ought to be quite a sophisticated construction, I imagine..
November 24, 2013 at 8:14 pm
🙂 We’ll see how things turn out.
October 22, 2013 at 10:52 am
I’m watching all the mentioned shows except for Golden Time right now, how is that going for you?
Also, agree on the awesomeness of Kyoukai no Kanata. Pedal was a surprise for me too so definitely going to watch that. It’s a wonder how many sports anime have released this season and I’m watching all except for Ippo.
October 22, 2013 at 3:42 pm
I don’t know if Golden Time has proven itself yet, but it took a bizarre turn in the third episode that I really appreciated. It am interested to see if it can survive the comparisons to Toradora.
December 8, 2013 at 9:19 am
In a previous blog entry you talked about Nodame Cantabile, and a new anime that more or less promissed be like it but in a arts school. Well, what are you waiting to see Hachimitsu to Clover (Honey & Clover)? THAT is a great anime set in an art school, and also from NoitaminA.
December 8, 2013 at 11:22 am
Yes, I watched Honey & Clover a while back (both seasons). It was a good show, and was better than the show I think you are talking about (whose name I’ve already forgotten). H&C was pretty depressing at times, but it was quite well done.
If you haven’t seen it, another show set at an arts school (and also aired in the Noitamina block) is Paradise Kiss. It has a great sense of style. Worth watching if you liked H&C and Nodame Cantabile.